Recent Belize News, 5/21/2017 to 5/31/2017, BelizeNews.com

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials

The San Pedro Sun

SPRCS students enjoy marine exhibit
In an effort to raise awareness on reef conservation, Carina Paz, 13 year-old Standard Six student at San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS), hosted a marine exhibit on Friday, May 26th. It was her second year hosting the exhibit, and Paz invited SPRCS’s Infant One through Standard Six classes to observe, learn, and interact with many species that live inside the reef. During the exhibit, Paz explained the importance of marine life, as they contribute to the health of the reef. With the help of Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the students had the opportunity to interact with a ‘touch tank’ filled with Belize’s native sea creatures like the Queen Conch, star fish, sea cucumber, pencil sea urchin and various mollusks. The children took turns holding the creatures, while learning important facts about the species.

The Island Academy Graduates 7
As the 2016-2017 school year comes to a close, The Island Academy (TIA) was the first educational institution to hold graduation ceremonies. On Friday, May 26th, TIA celebrated its 22nd commencement exercise, with a total of seven graduating: Tellen Smith, Wyatt Barenfanger, John Greif V, Collin Greif, Skylar Guerrero, Jamilet Garcia, and Alexandra Lausen. The ceremony was held at the TIA campus, where students, family and friends gathered to celebrate the graduate’s academic achievements. At 10AM, the graduates proudly marched to the sound of Pomp and Circumstance, awaiting their Primary School Diplomas.

NDACC hosts Health Fair to highlight effects of tobacco
‘World No Tobacco Day’ is observed annually on May 31st, and the National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC) got a head start with their annual activities, hosting a Health Fair on Friday, May 26th. Under the theme, “Tobacco: A Threat to Development,” NDACC, along with Project Abroad Belize, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), and the Kidney Association of Belize converged at the San Pedro Lions Den to provide information of various diseases to community members. Kristina Romero, NDACC representative in San Pedro, welcomed the gathering to the important event. Aiming to teach the students of the dangers of tobacco and its products, Romero reiterated that tobacco contributes to many diseases, including lung cancer, heart disease, diabetes and tuberculosis.

Kiah Pastor is the new Miss Teen Belize
Taking the 2017-2018 title and crown of Miss Teen Belize, was 18-year-old Kiah Pastor from Belmopan City. She charmed the judges and audience in all four segments during the pageant held on Saturday, May 27th at the Mahogany Bay Village south of San Pedro Town. The title for Miss Congeniality and First Runner Up, went to Grace Brown from San Pedro Town. The title for the Best Costume went for Vineesha Price from Belize City for her depiction of Belize’s forest king, the jaguar. Miss Photogenic was Julene Garcia from Toledo District. Kiah Pastor from Belmopan City was crowned as Miss Teen Belize 2017-2018.

Ambergris Today

Pic of the Week: Just Hanging Around On Ambergris Caye
"Coconut Leo braiding his hair upside down on a Coconut Tree.... No Big deal!" - That is what Kristi Gonzalez shared on her Facebook profile this week after catching some snaps of the famous island tree climber. Coconut Leo doing what he knows best - climbing coconut trees and performing for the crowd below.

Accessory LED Lights Are Illegal On Motor Vehicles
The Department of Transport takes this opportunity to inform the public that affixing of LED lights (inclusive of other lights varying in size and color) on to a motor vehicle without the written permission from the Department of Transport is an offence under the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Regulations. Regulation 159 of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Substantive Regulation, Chapter 192 of the Laws of Belize Revised Edition 1991 states: “There shall not be fixed to the vehicle any lamps other than those required by these Regulations except with the written permission of the Department of Transport”.

Misc Belizean Sources

Reflections on Conservation in Belize
As I prepare to leave to further my studies in Conservation Biology, I cannot help but reflect on the conservation world that I have been a part of for the past 5 years. With the recent dominance of the voice of the social media world, it has been difficult to ignore the conservation efforts happening all across our country. Social media has been both a blessing and a curse in my opinion. My membership in several conservation pages including Creatures of Belize, Belize Wildlife Conservation Network, Manatee Eco Warriors, Oceana Belize, has given me a first hand look at how conservation fights play out in Belize, and how we as conservationists engage with the public. Here are some of my views on where we fall short and what we can hopefully do about it.

USE OF BELIZE COAST GUARD VESSELS
The Ministry of Defence hereby responds to the inquiries that have been made by some media houses with regards to the use of assets that have been donated to the Belize Coast Guard (BCG). The Ministry makes clear that the deployment of armed forces assets are the responsibility of the Commanders of the armed forces who are completely aware of the purpose of which they are to be used. In cases where these assets are donated for the primary use of deterring and detecting illegal activities which are in line with the Defence Mandate, the commanders of BCG and Belize Defence Force (BDF) may deploy them for other activities as they see fit, providing that these activities do not contravene any local or international laws or military standing orders.

MAYOR OF THE CITY OF YEOSU, SOUTH KOREA VISITS SAN PEDRO TOWN
On Saturday, May 27, 2017, the Mayor of the City of Yeosu, South Korea, Mr. Ju Cheol-Hyeon, made a courtesy visit to the Mayor of San Pedro Town as part of his visit to the country of Belize. His itinerary involved a meeting with the Mayor and Councilors of San Pedro Town where they exchanged various ideas and similarities between their municipalities. A special topic they both agreed on and was definitely the highlight of the visit was how climate change is a major factor in each of their municipalities and countries. Another topic that was of great concern for both countries was the issue of traffic and its demand by the citizens. After their meeting and discussion, Mayor Daniel Guerrero gave a tour to the Mayor of the City of Yeosu, South Korea and the other guests of San Pedro Town and some popular places. They visited the quaint and picturesque resort of Ramon’s Village where they admired the elaborately built cabañas and its pristine beach and they also visited the tranquil resort of Victoria House.

Kiah Pastor Wins Miss Teen Belize
"Miss Teen Belize 2017 is Kiah Lisani Pastor Miss Teen Belmopan! Congratulations and we have a long road ahead of us to Ecuador!"

Cayo Cancer Society 2017 Gala
"Its that time of the year again. We are preparing for our 4th Annual Gala. June 24th, 2017 starting 7pm at the Bedran Hall, San Ignacio Hotel. Live Music by Electro Sounds. $65 per person entitles you to dinner, dance, pictures by professional photographer and door prizes. Inbox if you wish to purchase. All proceeds go to continue helping Cancer Patients in every way possible."

U.S. Embassy Belize Spotlight on Volunteers!
Stann Creek district native Allyson Jones (center) has worked tirelessly to ensure school children are transported to the medical clinics and are screened by the medical teams and learn healthy habits like the importance of brushing teeth. Parents return with children for any necessary follow up care. THANK YOU to Allyson and all the dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to make the Beyond the Horizon: 2017-Belize partnership a success. “We’ve had overwhelming support and incredible team.

BHA 2017 Annual General Meeting
The Belize Hotel Association is hosting its 2017 Annual General Meeting on Monday, June 19, 2017 at the Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel starting at 1:30 p.m followed by a Cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m. Our BHA members are invited to attend as well as all members of Belize's business and tourism sector. The AGM will be preceded by a Marketing Seminar starting at 9AM until noon. Mr. Alan Myers of Pinnacle Internet Marketing will be presenting this intriguing workshop titled Beyond Design. Mr. Myers is the owner and founder of Pinnacle Internet Marketing, a company he started in 2002 in response to the growing needs of businesses. Prior to starting Pinnacle, Alan had a successful sales and management career in advertising media where he strategized with business owners to successfully market their products and services. Seeing a business have financial success as a direct result of putting their websites to work for them instead of against them, is one of the most thrilling and rewarding aspects of his work!

Fathers Day Extravaganza! Tempted To Touch
Nyanda, Linky First, Rupee, Marlyn Vansen, Unlimited and XBand LIVE in concert in Belize at Ramada Poolside on Saturday, June 17th. Hosted by Groove Master. Sound System will be provided by Blue Steel Sounds. Advance tickets are available at KREM Radio and Ramada Hotel & Casino.

Vacancy for Office Administrator, Caye Caulker Village Council
Notice: Deadline changed to June 1st 2017

Hard Rock University!
Rock hard university Maestro Bennet used institutional memory The love for music and melody Creating a sound authentically Youth who were not inclined academically? His University was born out of necessity Hard Rock saw a way to use his talent to save his community Knowing our youth have multiple intelligence Pedagogy should only be used as reference Knowing our youth yarned for a holistic experience

3rd Annual Belize International Jazz Festival
The 3rd Annual Belize International Jazz Festival gets underway on Saturday June 3rd, with the Welcome Show and Jam Session at the Mexican Institute. This year’s festival will be showcasing performances and jam sessions in Belize City, and San Ignacio, Cayo and hosting workshops in Belize City. Talents from Argentina, Cuba, Mexico and the United States of America along with a large assortment of our own Belizean artists will be invigorating the Belizean musical scene with not only the sensual sound of smooth jazz, but a harmony of musical styles including Rock, Reggae, Rap, Steel Pan, Salsa, Marimba, Merengue, Punta and Paranda.

Belize Fishing Report May 22th - May 28th, 2017
A bit windy this week but all of the bonefish anglers were successful with their efforts and as usual, landed multiple bonefish. Belize is the perfect place for the first time bonefish angler. Steve and Scott were the top rods this week boating over 130 bonefish in just three days of fishing. Excellent!

Ya’axché Farmers’ Expo
Over the weekend on Sunday, we hosted our Ya’axché Farmers’ Expo event at Medina Bank. We recognized Mr. Juan Tut of Trio village as the 2017 MGL Farmer of the Year for his exceptional farming methods. Mr Augustin Chub of Big Falls was second and Mr Miguel Choco of Silver Creek came in third. Farmers of the Maya Golden Landscape also sold farm produce at the event. The Race Against Fire bicycle race winners were Devin Velasquez for first place, Santiago Cus for second place and Charles Nunez for third place. Also for the bicycle race, various station prizes were won and up to the 10th place were given consolation prizes. Children participated in various games. The community hosted 14 teams at its football marathon, sold drinks and delicious food. Ya’axché thanks all sponsors, supporters, Medina Bank community and staff for a successful event.

Channel 7

UDP Minister Stripped Of US Visa
For months, rumors have been circulating that a member of the Barrow Cabinet would be stripped of his US Visa for involvement with shady immigration dealings. Well, tonight, we can confirm that Minister of Transport and NEMO Edmond Castro has been stripped of his US Visa. When the report first emerged, we called Castro to ask him about it, but he told us that he could not comment - and then hung up the phone on our reporter. Well, 90 minutes later, a statement was issued form his office. It says, quote, "Castro has been given notification by the United States Embassy that his Diplomatic and Tourist visas have been revoked, and that no specific reason was stated for the revocation." end quote.

Coast Guard Defends Use of Vessels to Transport Defense Minister's Teams
Another UDP Minister who's earned the ire of the Americans is Defense Minister John Saldivar for his use of donated Coast Guard vessels for his sports teams. Saldivar finally broke the silence by taking to Facebook yesterday, saying quote, "There is absolutely no misuse involved in using public resources to help a basketball team, and I absolutely prepared to go down believing that! It is acceptable to use BTL and BTB funds to sponsor a Machel Montano concert. How can it be a misuse of public resources to assist a basketball team with transportation to San Pedro?" End quote.

Wife Who Killed Husband, Freed of Murder Charge After One Day In Jail, DPP says Self Defence
Last night, we told you about the Seine Bight killing over the weekend, in which 31 year-old Glen Ramirez was fatally stabbed by his wife, 28 year-old Neshawn Martinez-Ramirez. She was charged for murder and remanded to the Belize Central Prison, but tonight, she is out and free of that charge. That's because DPP Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, does not believe that there is enough evidence against Neshawn to disprove her self-defense claim. And so, Neshawn Ramirez was removed from the Belize Central Prison today, and taken before the Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith for a court hearing. Crown Counsel Janelle Tillett, representing the DPP's Office, told the court that DPP Vidal has sent a memorandum to instruct the withdrawal of the murder charge against her. So, with that she was allowed to go free.

Noted Songstress Tanya Carter Robbed At Gunpoint In Belize City
Tanya Carter is one of Belize's most well-known international performers, who has touched stages all over the world with her hits such as "Ex Boyfriend". But last night in Belize City at around 8:00, all that fame and international renown didn't matter to a trio of thieves who were on the prowl. According to reports, she was walking on St. Thomas Street when the trio of men pounced, and held her up at gunpoint. They stole over a thousand dollars in cash, and drove off in a car. But, in an unexpected turn, the car ran out of gas not long after. Police found the car, and traced it back to the men at a Southside address. That's where the police arrested all three and recovered eight hundred dollars. Turns out, they HAD also tried to rob another female in the area around the same time, but she ran off. Tomorrow, they are expected to be arraigned on charges of robbery and attempted robbery. Carter told us that she didn't want to comment.

Corozal Resident Drowned
A body was found floating on the coast of Corozal Town this morning - but police say foul play is not suspected. 43 year old Anthony Pasos of Santa Rita Corozal was found floating in the rough waters of Corozal's Bay, in an area in front of St Francis Xavier Primary School. Pasos was last seen on Monday morning, before midday. Relatives didn't become alarmed when he didn't come home because he is not known as a trouble maker. However, they became startled at the news that Pasos' body was discovered in the waters by a resident around six this morning.

From Bees To Burglars, "Arms Of Love" Under Attack
Last week we told you about the vicious bee attack at Arms of Love Primary School in San Ignacio. A 60 year old grandmother died because of it. But just as the students, teachers and parents were slowly recovering from that terror, the school was burglarized over the weekend. As we told you classes resumed until yesterday because of that bee attack but when they arrived, the principal's office had been thrashed and 11 laptops were gone. The principal of the school Iris Garcia told us today that she got a call on Sunday morning from the school's yard cutter telling her that the wooden office door was open. The police were called out to the school. Garcia told us that the robbers got in through the roof of a classroom and pried their way into the office. They stole 11 laptops , $300 in petty cash all to a total of $8,500.

Orson Takes On Opal, Restores Rebecca Rath
The saga of Ms. Belize took another sharp turn this evening. First, on Friday Pageant Director Opal Enriquez sent out a release basically saying that Rebecca Rath's reign as queen was over. And then yesterday she rescinded that, sorta. And by then Rebecca Rath had already basically said goodbye. Well, today, two of Enriquez's partners in the Queen of the Jewel Pageant Venture, turned on her, and said her release was unofficial and bull and void. Orson Elrington and Reynaldo Malik who own two third's of Queen of the Jewel said that as minority owner, Opal Enriquez's statement was unauthorized and invalid. Today, VIA PHONE, Elrington explained what the true position is:..

Critics Called It Alcatraz, Now It's All Opened Up
6 months ago, Norwegian Cruise Lines opened its 100 million-dollar Harvest Caye Cruise Port and Island getaway. But, a major complaint has been that the island getaway was closed off from the rest of the Belizean tour operators in south. Also, once the Norwegian cruisers landed there, they couldn't leave, except on a mainland tour from H20 Tierra, which was the only company licensed to carry out mainland tours. Critics called it "Alcatraz". And, Harvest Caye has gotten more than its fair share of negative reviews because some guests wanted to visit other parts of Belize, and they were basically being held on the island. So, the company worked with the Belize Tourism Board over the last few months to allow for Harvest Caye visitors to book mainland tours from the local operators on the Placencia Peninsula.

Animal Conservation Community Challenges Harvest Caye
And while that is a rare spot of good PR for the much maligned Harvest Caye, it's got another raging controversy on its hands. This time it's over a Scarlet Macaw named Big Red. The Belize Bird Rescue took it in about a year ago, and rehabilitated it for release. But last week, they say the Forestry Department and a Harvest Caye wildlife expert showed up at their headquarters and confiscated Big Red. It's reportedly now at Harvest Caye as part of their nature exhibit. But, a Macaw is a bird of the rainforest, not an island in the sun and slat spray. And that's what has the animal conservation community up in arms. Jamal Andrewin from the Belize Zoo explained:...

Convicted Murderer Pop Pleads Down to Manslaughter
In March 2012 Florencio Pop was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being found guilty of murdering Bladden Village resident, Felix Cucul Ich. Pop allegedly killed Ich by chopping him once to the back of the neck. Today Pop returned to court seeking a lesser sentence. He appeared before Justice Dennis Hanomansingh, who handed him the sentence five years ago. Pop, under the advice of his attorney, Oscar Selgado, changed his plea from not guilty of murder, to guilty of manslaughter. Because of the change in plea, Hanomansingh deducted 5 years from Pop's sentence. He deducted 2 more years because Pop handed himself into police and cooperated with police throughout the investigation.

When Wheelchairs Are Lifesavers
Caribbean motors may be known as an up and coming car dealership where - they say - you can get the best deals on four wheels. But today, it was strictly a two wheeled affair - and the wheels weren't a deal, they were free! We're talking about wheelchairs, 90 of them handed out by a Missionary Group at the dealership's headquarters. I visited and found out how much of a lifesaver those two wheels can be. Courtney Weatherbure reporting: 13 year old Ashley Meighan was diagnosed with cerebral palsy from birth and the journey has been challenging so far. Stephanie Smith, Mother: "Still can't get over it, still yet can't get over, yeah, very very difficult especially for bathing her, taking care of her too."

Paddlers to Puerto Rico
Today the Belize Canoe Association sent a delegation of 6 rowers to Puerto Rico to compete in the Puerto Rico Olympic Cup, which is a kayak racing event. The athletes will participate in kayak sprint races of distances ranging from 200 meters to 1000 meters. And while the Puerto Rico Olympic Cup is not the actual Olympics, the team's leader, Rudolph Gentle told us that the event is an important stepping stone to competing in the world's most famous sporting event...

Channel 5

Minister Edmond Castro Says U.S. Revoked Diplomatic, Tourist Visas
On the eve of the expected testimony at the Senate Special Select Committee of whistleblower on visas Alvarine Burgess, Minister of National Emergency Management and Transport and Belize Rural North [...]

Charges Withdrawn From Deshawn Ramirez; D.P.P. Says She Killed Her Husband in Self Defence
Deshawn Ramirez – she is the woman who was charged with her husband’s murder on Monday and remanded to prison. But tonight she is free, after the murder charge was [...]

Defence Minister Insists There Was Nothing Wrong with Bandits’ Trips on Coast Guard Vessels
While Castro is in the news tonight for the cancelation of his visa, Minister of Defence John Saldivar is pushing back heavily against claims of misuse of Coast Guard assets [...]

Body Found in Sea Near Corozal
This morning, the body of a man was found floating in the Caribbean Sea near First Avenue in the Bay of Corozal Town. The person has since been identified as [...]

About-turn: Majority Partners Assert Control; Say Rebecca Rath is Still Miss Belize
The plot thickens in the Miss Belize saga. Twenty-four hours ago, Miss Belize Rebecca Rath appeared to be stripped of her title by pageant director Opal Enriquez. Her family had [...]

Opal Enriquez Out as Pageant Director
Elrington and Malik take the position that the May twenty-sixth release was not authorized and nothing in it is official, and that as far as they are concerned Enriquez has [...]

New Belizeans Take the Oath
The hassle of applying for Belizean citizenship, in some cases several years in the making, has paid for a handful of immigrants who have found their home in the Jewel. [...]

Placencia Peninsula Readies for Harvest Caye Tourists
After years of back and forth, visitors to Harvest Caye will finally be able to enjoy the natural wonders of the peninsula. Local tour operators and other stakeholders had been [...]

Man Discharged from Littering Charge
Thirty-three-year-old fudge vendor Glenford Tillett has been charged with littering after a run-in with police on Saturday. However, he was discharged of the offense by Magistrate Carlon Mendoza. Tillett was [...]

Grandmother Charged with Shoplifting
Sixty-five-year-old grandmother Martha Parchue returned to court today on a charge of theft for shoplifting in a popular supermarket. Parchue is accused of stealing Celebrity brand boneless chopped ham valued [...]

Guatemalans Illegally Cutting Mangroves to Trap Fish
In addition to illegal operation in Belizean waters, Guatemalan fishermen have been guilty of several offences, including use of gill nets and other illegal methods to capture fish. Recently they [...]

B.T.V. Accuses Foreign Minister of Not Doing His Job on Incursion Threat
Three weeks ago it was reported that the village of Otoxha has been dealing with a takeover of acres of territory by Guatemalan farmers seeking greater pastures. The farmers left [...]

S.J.C. Has New Music Degree
If you were thinking of pursuing music studies in Belize, you will now have a chance to do so. For the first time a local school is offering a degree [...]

The Gift of Mobility for Belize’s Disabled
Caribbean Motors in Belize City today hosted a special donation ceremony by the Saint Paul Lutheran Church of Fort Worth, Texas and the Central American Lutheran Mission Society, in association [...]

Kaina Tops for Kingsville, But Will She Run for Belize Again?
Thirty-one-year-old Belizean Olympian athlete Kaina Martinez has completed her track career at Texas A and M University-Kingsville. She had three top finishes in the 2017 NCAA Division Two Outdoor Athletics [...]

Thousands Take a Walk Against Cancer
Over five thousand persons put on their walking shoes and trekked the nine-mile walk from Ladyville to Belize City in the annual Cancer Walk. Saturday’s walk saw families and friends [...]

CTV3

CEMJC Celebrating Graduating Class Of 2017
This past weekend, Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College in San Roman Village in the Corozal District celebrated their 9th commencement exercise with the largest graduating class yet consisting of 129 students. The keynote speaker at this year’s graduation ceremony was no other than the 2016 Ms. Belize Universe Rebecca Rath who represented Belize in stellar fashion in this year’s Ms. Universe. In her message to the students, Ms. Rath spoke of preparing for the realities of life which will include challenges, surprises, victories and losses. She shared his stories of challenge and triumph and how she went from a rough and tough volleyball player and coach to mastering the catwalk on heels.

Corozal Town Resident Found Dead Along The Bay
The lifeless body of a Corozal resident was discovered this morning floating in the rough waters of Corozal’s Bay, in an area in front of St Francis Xavier Primary School. The individual has been identified as 43 year old Anthony Edwin Pasos, a labourer of Corozal Town. CTV-3 News spoke to family member’s off-camera. They shared that Pasos was last seen on Monday morning, before midday. They did not become alarmed when he didn’t come home as he is no trouble maker.

US Revokes Edmund Castro VISA
There is major news tonight over actions taken by the United States Government against a Cabinet Minister in the Barrow Administration. Late this evening, we received confirmation on reports that the United States Embassy had revoked the tourist visa held by Minister of National Emergency Management Edmond Castro. This confirmation came from Minister Castro himself, via a statement he issued to the media.

Ministry Of Defense Supports Use Of Coast Guard Vessel
This afternoon the Ministry of Defense also responded to the use of Coast Guard vessels by the Belmopan Bandits. The Ministry, which coincidentally is headed by Minister Saldivar, methodically explains why shuttling the Belmopan Bandits Basketball team to and from San Pedro using coast guard vessels is not construed as misuse of public funds. According to the release, ‘the commanders of BCG and Belize Defense Force (BDF) may deploy them for other activities as they see fit, providing that these activities do not contravene any local or international laws or military standing orders.’

Rebecca Rath Remains As Miss Belize
Tonight the Miss Belize Saga continues and it appears that Rebecca Rath is back in as reigning Miss Belize. Viewers may remember that on Friday night, Belize’s National pageant Director Opal Enriquez issued a release cutting short the reign of Rebecca Rath as Miss Belize Universe 2016 and appointing the crown to Marcia Moody, 1st runner up in the 2016 pageant. In addition Enriquez informed Belizeans that there will not be a Miss Belize Pageant this year.

Belizean Receives International Diana Award
The International Diana Award is an award issued every year in Honor of the late Princess Diana of Wales to young role models from across the world who live an exemplary life by selflessly transforming the lives of others throughout their community. This year Belize was placed in the spotlight for the fourth consecutive time by the British embassy as one of Belize’s very own bright youngsters was chosen as recipient of the award. This year the Belizean awarded was no stranger to the award committee, Seventeen year old Elsia Pop from the Toledo district received the Diana Award at the St. James's Palace in the United Kingdom on Thursday 18th May 2017, making this her second Diana award.

COPS Cleared From Contraband Charge
In early April the Corozal Police Department suffered a black eye when two of its officers were seen speeding away in a newly donated Police vehicle, with Customs officers in hot pursuit. Customs officials claimed the cops were trafficking contraband items which had not declared at the customs check point at the Northern Border. In the Police vehicle were driver Police Constable Elston Rojas and Police Corporal Abner Marroquin who was also the vehicle commander. They were both charged and placed on interdiction from duty. Reports to our newsroom is that Rojas has been cleared from the charges. This leaves Marroquin with the heavy end of the stick and the only officer facing disciplinary charges for the stunt.

LOVE FM

US Embassy Revokes Minister Castro’s Visas
The US Embassy has revoked the diplomatic and the tourist visa for Minister Edmond Castro. The news came via a press statement issued by Minister Castro late this evening. Castro, the elected representative for Belize Rural North noted in his statement that no reason was stated in the notice he received. The statement went on […]

Neshawn Ramirez Walks Free; DPP Says There’s No Arguing It Was Self-Defense
Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl-Lyn Vidal has confirmed to Love News that the murder charge against 28-year-old, Neshawn Ramirez was withdrawn today. Ramirez was arraigned and remanded to the Belize Central Prison yesterday after she rendered one fatal stab wound to her husband, 31-year-old, Glenn Ramirez. The grounds for the DPP’s decision was based on […]

BCG Commander Says Transporting the Bandits Is Not Illegal
Belmopan’s Area Representative and the Minister of Defence, John Saldivar, owner of the Bandits Sports has been taking much criticism lately surrounding the use of the Belize Coast Guard vessels to transport the players to their games in San Pedro. Members of the opposition have referred to is as an abuse of his position since […]

World Bank Group Endorses 5-Year Partnership with Belize
There is a new framework endorsed today in Washington DC, USA that seeks to assist Belize in strengthening the economy’s resilience as well as promote opportunities for all its citizens. The framework is five year partnership with the World Bank Group which will help the Government of Belize in its efforts to reduce poverty and […]

Tourists Ferried from Harvest Caye to the Peninsula
This morning the Cruise Control Ltd. officially began ferrying cruise passengers from Harvest Caye to Placencia Village. The first ferry docked at the Placencia Municipal Pier at 8 o’clock. With this new arrangement, passengers will now have the opportunity to enjoy the amenities on the peninsula. Tour Operators will now have the opportunity to take guests on […]

Placencia Pier Came After Months of Meetings
The decision to build a welcome center at the Placencia Municipal Pier and to have NCL cruise ship passengers be ferried to Placencia Village was not a decision made overnight. This is the results of months of meetings held with stakeholders where concerns were raised that NCL was hoarding all the profits on the caye. […]

Big Red Is More Than Just a Scarlet Macaw; He Is A Prisoner
Last week Love News broke the story of Big Red- the scarlet macaw that was confiscated from Belize Bird Rescue, BBR, and handed over to Tony Garell of Harvest Caye. BBR has written to CEO Dr. Percival Cho but we understand that he has yet to respond. In that letter, BBR tells CEO Cho that […]

Corozal Resident Found Dead in Caribbean Sea
The body of a 43-year-old man was retrieved from the Caribbean Sea this morning near the Thunderbolt wharf in Corozal Town. Police in that municipality received a call just after six o’clock today and upon reaching the area near the St Francis Xavier Primary School, they found Anthony Pasos, half dressed and floating in the […]

Elrington and Malik Trump Opal; Rath Retains Title
Rebecca Rath keeps her title as Miss Belize Universe say Orson Elrington and Reynaldo Malik- the co-owners of Queen of the Jewel Limited. Through a statement, both men added that the release issued by Opal Enriquez was quote, “unauthorized and the summary dismissal of Ms. Rath was unsanctioned”. End of quote. Elrington and Malik say […]

Briceno Should Have Replaced Courtenay, Says Espat
When the Senate ratified the Bill on January 30, 2017 to protect the Central Bank’s Foreign Reserves from Lord Michael Ashcroft, the support was unanimous. The Bill was brought from the House of Representatives after the Prime Minister rushed through its three readings in one sitting following the threat to have a fifty US million […]

Kaina Makes Her Mark Again at Track and Field
Over the weekend Belizean Kaina Martinez participated in the 2017 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships and earned the title ‘three-time All-American athlete’. The championships were held in Florida, USA, and there Martinez joined her colleagues, LaGae Brigance, Keandria Taylor and Plaserae Johnson. They ended the meet with a total of 16 points thanks to a group performance […]

Amandala

Wife arraigned for stabbing husband to death
Glenn Ramirez, Jr., 31, a father of 5 children and a chef living in Seine Bight, and his wife, Deshawn Martinez Ramirez, 28, would have had their first wedding anniversary on Saturday, but according to police, at about 11:00 on Friday night, she stabbed him to death after they became involved in an argument, reportedly because he did not come home to give her money on time. Glenn was stabbed once in the left side of the chest, and he died immediately on the road in front of a restaurant in Seine Bight. He was taken to the Southern Regional Hospital morgue, and she was taken into custody. Today, Monday, Deshawn Ramirez was arraigned at the Independence Magistrate’s Court for murder. She was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until August.

UDP’s silence about Yellowman and August “deafening”
Almost two weeks ago, the United Democratic Party (UDP)’s “dogs of war” were unleashed at the Senate Select Committee investigating the Auditor General’s findings which were documented in a report that pointed to irregularities at the Immigration Department. The blistering, coordinated attack was led by the party’s chairman, Alberto August, and the House of Representatives Mace-bearer (Sergeant at Arms), Brian “Yellowman” Audinett. Since the attack, there has been no official response from the UDP leader, Prime Minister Dean Barrow. Audinett’s actions have been loudly condemned by a wide cross-section of Belizeans, including the Leader of the Opposition People’s United Party, Hon. John Briceño, who has written to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Laura Longsworth, asking her to remove Audinett.

Audrey Wallace, PM’s CEO, falls ill
Audrey Wallace, Chief Executive Officer in the Office of the Prime Minister since 2008, was flown via air ambulance to Miami for emergency treatment on Friday, May 26, after she found out via a CT-Scan that a vein had spontaneously ruptured in her head. Wallace, a former secretary general of the ruling United Democratic Party and the party’s current director of public relations, is expected to undergo minor surgery this week to remove the blood that has accumulated between the brain and its covering, but our sources describe her prognosis as good.

Dawson’s widow gets $45,000: Pakeman freed
The charge of causing death by careless conduct that was brought against Dorian Pakeman, the Director of the Government Press Office, nine months after he knocked down and killed Gardenia mechanic Dean Dawson, 45, between Miles 22 and 23 on the Philip Goldson Highway, while driving his government-issued Isuzu D-Max pickup truck, was struck out this morning when the matter came up for a preliminary inquiry that was to determine if there was a prima facie case that could be submitted to the Supreme Court for an indictment. Pakeman’s attorney, Bryan Neal, made submissions to have the charge struck out on multiple grounds — primarily, however, due to a lack of evidence. Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser upheld Neal’s submissions after the court prosecutor, Corporal Christopher Smith, said that he would leave the decision up to the court when Magistrate Fraser asked him what was the prosecution’s position regarding Neal’s submissions.

A sour end to the “Crown Chronicles”: Rebecca Rath “dethroned”
The 13th volume of the Miss Belize “Crown Chronicles” brought sad news, with a statement from pageant director Opal Enriquez announcing that she is taking time off to pursue personal goals so there will be no Miss Belize Pageant this year, and that effective immediately, the official title of Miss Belize is being handed over to the first runner-up in the 2016 pageant, Marcia Moody—a move that is being interpreted as a clever dethroning of Miss Belize 2016-2017 Rebecca Rath, aka known as “Bexx,” after relations reportedly turned sour between the pageant director and the Raths following the Miss Universe Pageant held in Manila, the Philippines, this January. “We will not be holding a 2017 Miss Belize Pageant. It is my understanding that several parties have applied for the 2017 Miss Universe Franchise and to date none has been confirmed,” Enriquez added.

Phenomenal Kaina!
Belizeans’ hearts swelled with pride on Saturday when the news slowly filtered in that our own Kaina Martinez had medaled in her first two events for the Texas A&M University, Kingsville team at the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association in the United States) Track & Field Championships in Bradenton, Florida. Kaina and her TAMU Kingsville teammates placed third in the 4×100 meter relay; and she followed that up with an electrifying second place in the 100 meter dash. After languishing in Belize for the best part of her youthful athletic career, Kaina landed a full athletic scholarship to Texas A&M University, Kingsville in 2013, thanks to the efforts of Belize’s former Olympian, Colin Thurton, then an athletic coach at A&M. Graduating in June of this year, this was Kaina’s farewell performance for her college, and her biggest stage in years, having missed the 2016 Olympic Games.

Belmopan Bandits defends home court to send Pepsi NEBL Finals to a decisive game 3
Game 2 of the Pepsi NEBL finals was played last night at the UB gymnasium in Belmopan. It was do or die for the home squad, Belmopan Bandits, who was down 0–1 in the best-of-three series against San Pedro Tiger Sharks. San Pedro Tiger Sharks, on the other hand, was smelling blood in the waters, and came out to finish off the series, and to grab their 3rd NEBL Championship in 4 years. The UB gymnasium had a huge crowd last night, as the finals intensity was palpable in the arena. From tip-off, the game was very close, and the intensity level was high, given that an NEBL championship was on the line. None of the 2 teams were able to stamp their names on the game, as Belmopan Bandits was nursing a 20–19 lead at the end of the first quarter. Belmopan was able to build on that lead in the second quarter, 28–22, as San Pedro Tiger Sharks was struggling to find any offensive rhythm. However, the visiting squad went on a 10-point scoring run to finish the first half strongly, and to grab the 34–31 lead going into intermission.

NAWL semifinals over
After both National Amateur Women’s League (NAWL) semifinals Game 1 were drawn, the decisive Game 2 were scheduled for this past Saturday, but only one semifinal was actually played. That is because Sagitun Strikers from Independence forfeited their scheduled game on Saturday night at the MCC, where Belize City FC got the victory by default, and will now move on to the best-of-2 games championship series. The other semifinal Game 2 was played on Sunday evening at the FFB Stadium, where Jewel Fury FC of Belmopan came away with the 3-nil win over Gladiators FC from Orange Walk. It was a very well-played game, despite the few fans in attendance. The difference turned out to be the speed advantage of young Fury striker, Ashley Rodriguez over the Gladiators’ central defenders. Matching speed with tremendous skill,

National Over-40 Tournament 2017 to kick off this weekend
We’ve been hearing rumors for some time now about the start of a National Over-40 Tournament, and today we finally got some official communication, from Peter Alvarez of Belmopan, the “Chairman, National Over-40.” According to Alvarez, seven teams are scheduled to participate in the tournament: BDF Veterans; Kulture Yabra; Belmopan Veterans; Benque Veterans FC; Mango Creek Veterans; San Ignacio Quintas; and San Pedro Veterans.

Mundialito fireworks!!
Now in its sixth year, the Smart 13 & Under Mundialito at the MCC Grounds in Belize City has been a big success so far; and indications are it could be heading for “higher heights,” as the level of play, and the intensity of competition increases. Indeed, with the most teams ever, 12 this year, now at Week 7 and 4 more weeks of games remaining, there are all of 8 teams still in contention for the top-4 playoff spots. We will have the complete official standings in our next issue, but from our unofficial numbers so far, Ladyville Rising Stars leads with 15 pts, followed by Heights FC with 14 pts, City Boys 13 pts, Hattieville Riverside Boys 13 pts, Brown Bombers 12 pts, Young Warriors 12 pts, Carlston FC 11 pts, Reality Youths 8 pts, Belize Elementary 3 pts, Collet Strikers 2 pts, Sampson Academy 2 pts, and Ladyville Jaguars 2 pts.

Editorial: Families, groups, and corporations
Today we want to do something different from what we usually do, and look at the politics of Belize from above, from the perspective of the wealthy, powerful families, groups, and corporations which finance the two major political parties – the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) and the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP). (At this newspaper we are always considering Belize’s politics from the base of the socio-economic pyramid, because the base is from where we originated in 1969 and it is this base to which we are loyal.) All the political chatter which takes place on the talk shows and in the social media involves exchanges and disputes between and among Belizeans at the socio-economic base. How important is this political chatter where the exercise of real political power is concerned? Real political power is exercised by the Cabinet of Belize, with the Prime Minister as its boss, and it has never, ever been the case in Belize’s modern political history that a Prime Minister has been moved by Belize’s base. Prime Ministers are influenced by the base, but they are never moved. This is because the two fundamental powers of the Prime Minister, his power of taxation and his power to deploy armed security forces, are derived from the constitutional system of Belize as supported by our power structure – our wealthy, powerful families, groups, and corporations.

From the Publisher
In independent Belize, incongruously enough, there is less public intellectual life than there was in colonial British Honduras. What I see in independent Belize is more party politics, and I see more denominational religion. I do not consider the morning talk shows as constituting public intellectual life, nor do I consider the social media exchanges as such. The importance of public intellectual life is that it tends to restrain party politics from becoming religious in its fervor, while it provides a check on the inclinations of ambitious clerics to interfere in the political world. A few months ago two relatively young professionals, one a dentist and the other an attorney, who were known members of the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP), died within days of each other. On the morning talk show run by the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP), one of the hosts insisted on ascribing the untimely deaths to the supposed iniquity of the political party to which the deceased belonged. This was a theme he has referred to repeatedly, and no one in his party has put his over-exuberance under manners. When unfortunate incidents which affect your political opponents are interpreted as punishments for their sins, this is what I consider as seeking to move mundane politics into the religious realm.

Breaking Belize News

Minister Edmond Castro’s U.S. Visa revoked
Edmond Castro, Minister of National Emergency Management and Area Representative for Belize Rural North, issued a statement today to inform the public that he was notified by the U.S. Embassy, that his Diplomatic and Tourist visas have been revoked, and that no specific reason was stated for the revocation.

Rebecca Rath remains Ms. Belize Universe; pageant to be held
Queen of the Jewel Ltd., the company that owns the rights to the Miss Belize pageant, issued a press release today clarifying that its official position is that Rebecca Rath is still the current Miss Belize and will serve the remainder of her duties. It also said that in contradiction to the announcement made by former pageant director Opal Enriquez, there will indeed be a 2017 pageant.

Bandit Nation? We should not be!
The US Embassy says it is aware of reports of inappropriate use of the Coast Guard boats, gifted to Belize by the US government, and that it is gathering additional information in response to the allegations.

Ministry of Defense defends Bandits’ use of Coast Guard vessels
The Ministry of Defense, today, defended its use of Coast Guard vessels and fuel donated by the United States government to shuttle Minister John Saldivar’s Bandits team to San Pedro for games on the island. According to the ministry’s release, the deployment of armed […]

Man decapitated in Toledo
On Sunday night shortly before 8:00, Independence Police received information of a body found beside the highway in Bella Vista Village, Toledo. Police checked between miles 45 and 46 on the Southern highway where cops saw the body of Armando Alvarenga , 21, of […]

NICH distances itself from Miss Belize controversy
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), issued a press release yesterday distancing itself from the release and decision made by Opal Enriquez, former Ms. Belize pageant director, to cut Rebecca Rath’s reign as Miss Belize short. NICH said it is in no […]

Chiquibul and Forest reserves get 6 new vehicles
Yesterday, the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) hosted an official vehicle handing over ceremony in Belmopan. Six new vehicles, valued at a total of $450,146.30 were handed over to the four beneficiaries of the Chiquibul Forest Investment Initiative (CFII). The CFII Consortium includes the […]

Missing Esperanza teen found
Avi Leannie Flowers, the 16-year-old student who was reported missing yesterday, has been found alive and in good health. Flowers’s mother, Stephanie Crawford, posted on social media that the teen had been found. “Just want to say to all that my daughter is home […]

GSU finds weed in Belize City
On Saturday around 11:00 a.m., members of the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) conducted searches in an apartment complex off Saint Jude Street, Belize City, in the “Back a Town” area. The unit found a black plastic bag containing 110 grams of Cannabis. The drugs […]

Belize – The Demographics of Migration and Graduation
The current population of Belize is realistically around 400,000…..although official estimates are only 374,651….there are a lot of undocumented people living in the country. For comparison, the population in 1981 was 145,859….and in 2000 was 243,168. The population has grown around 160% since Independence. […]

Body found floating in sea in Corozal
A body was found this morning floating in the sea in front of the St. Francis Xavier School in Corozal. The body was found in a short black pants. The unidentified person’s clothes was also found on the warf. Reports indicate he may have […]

Blogs

Destination Placencia, Belize? Maya Island Air, Please!
By Giulianna Tonti. The good ‘ole proverbial fork-in-the-road had me momentarily disoriented, as I had never had to veer straight through the “Connecting Flights” swing doors at the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport. As a creature of habit I had instinctively veered right to exit the airport where my ride to San Ignacio, Cayo would normally be waiting for me. However, this time around, I was surely in for a treat, as my travel itinerary called for a connecting flight with the renowned domestic airline Maya Island Air destined to the both untouched and untouchable Placencia. I arrived at the Maya Island Air check-in counter and introduce myself. Before any of the staff even knew I was there to write an article for BelizeHub.com, I am greeted with the warmest of smiles and professional pleasantries. This is in fact a true sign of genuine, quality customer service. If you have the pleasure of checking in with Oprah, there is no doubt that you will feel like you are indeed in good hands.

International Sources

Commentary: OAS dysfunctionality requires Charter review
By Sir Ronald Sanders.The spectacle, which was a complete breakdown of all the norms of diplomatic discourse, resulted from the dysfunctionality of the OAS; the antiquated nature of its governing Charters; and the long overdue need for a revision of its procedural rules. On March 28, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) experienced a public spectacle of disarray that, in 36 years of diplomatic life in many international and multinational organizations, I have never witnessed. A similar observation was made by many other seasoned ambassadors. A highly fractious and contentious public meeting – carried live via an Internet streaming – was brought to a premature end with some delegations on their feet, ready to walk-out. The occasion was a request by 18 member states, which included four Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries, to discuss the situation in Venezuela – a situation, described by governments, think-tanks and non-governmental organizations as dire.

Central American refugees turn again to Belize – but find it far less welcoming
The country was once a haven for victims of outside violence – but the government has recently taken a hardline approach amid anti-Hispanic feeling. pair of young farmhands wait for a ride at an idle junction under a coconut palm on a blistering day in south Belize. A short drive east is a fishing village of Garifunas – mixed-race descendants of African slaves and indigenous Arawaks – while along the highway to the west are clusters of Mayan thatched huts. It’s too hot to walk the few miles to Bella Vista, a dusty Spanish-speaking migrant community whose inhabitants mostly work in the surrounding banana plantations and shrimp farms – part of the steady flow of seasonal labourers from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, drawn here by higher wages and plentiful work. Belize has long counted on its neighbours to prop up its sugar cane and fruit farms, but in recent years, violence in the three countries has generated a surge in new arrivals searching not for work, but for survival.

Belize Accuses OneCoin Promoter of Illegal Trading
The government of Belize has issued a cease-and-desist order to one of the main promoters of OneCoin, a digital currency investment scheme widely believed to be fraudulent. The International Financial Services Commission (IFSC), Belize's financial markets regulator, accused One Life Network Limited of "conducting trading without first obtaining the required license" – an allegation that echoes one issued by BaFin, Germany’s top finance regulator. In April, BaFin took a harsh stance against the investment scheme, ordering its organizers to dismantle trading facilities and to cease operating in the country. Other countries, including India, have also moved to curtail the activities of OneCoin promoters.

Belize: New WBG Country Partnership Framework to support economic and social resilience
Today, the Board of Executive Directors endorsed a new World Bank Group (WBG) five-year Country Partnership Framework in support of Belize’s efforts to strengthen the resilience of its economy and promote opportunities for all Belizeans. Belize’s economy relies on tourism and agro-business as its two main drivers of growth. Tourism employs 28 percent of the population and represents 21 percent of GDP. As a small and open economy, the country is highly exposed to external shocks and is vulnerable to extreme weather events — with average annual losses from natural disasters amounting to almost four percent of GDP.

CDB approves millions in loans and grants for ten borrowing member countries
On Monday, May 22, the board of directors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), met in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. It approved the following projects in The Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The CDB has approved a grant of GBP700,000 to the government of Belize to fund a feasibility study for the upgrading of the Philip S. W. Goldson Highway. The project is being supported through the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF), which is administered by CDB.

The Anglican Diocese of BelizeMedical Mission 2017
Holy Sacrament Episcopal Church, Pembroke Pines, Florida and its outreach organization, Friends Reaching Friends are organizing, in partnership with the Anglican Diocese of Belize, their 4th mission trip to Belize, from June 10 to June 17, 2017. This year’s mission will be in the Cayo District and will include adult and pediatric health care. Persons interested in free accessing free medical care including blood pressure screening, blood sugar testing and vision screening may visit the Georgeville Community Center between June 12 and 16.

Videos

Master Tour de Santino 40 years & Older Cycling, 28min.

Precision 'n' Style Dance Group - A Modern Dream Dance Show, 17min.

Burke it Down Jenny Social Media & Relationships & Its Impact on Mental Health, 33min.

Belize Tire Depot, 1min.

Belize Diving 2016, 10min.

La Gracia Village receives first of its kind smart solar power system in Belize, 4min. In its effort to provide access to electricity for all Belizeans, the Government of Belize inaugurated a state-of-the-art Smart Solar off-grid rural electrification project in La Gracia Village in the Cayo District. Here’s more on this …

Congratulations to Elsia Pop, recent recipient of the Princess Diana Legacy Award! (1:28), 2.5min. Pop appears at 1:28 in video. Recognising 20 outstanding leaders, visionaries and role models changing the world as Princess Diana believed they could. These 20 young people received their awards from HRH Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry at St. James's Palace Thursday 18th May 2017.

Belize Resort - Couple, Las Terrazas, 5min.

2017 05 02 Esmerelda's Canyon with Belize Pro Dive Ctr, 13min. - Six nurse sharks waiting for us at drop-in. Video is mostly shark ...

Belize trip, 10min.

Miami - Belize, 12min. 2017 walkabout. Three days in Miami and two weeks in Belize......

MONKEY RIVER FEATURE STORY, 7min.

PLACENCIA PIER OPENS, 4min.

Disaster Management Focal Point, 18min.

The 9th Annual Flowers Bank Festival, 27min.

The National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC) and the Belize Cancer Society (BCS), 28min.

Book - The Healing Circle, 24min.

The National Committee for Families and Children Agenda 2017-2030., 42min.

Belize SCUBA, 3min.

Belize, 3min.

Belize, 7min.

New Horizons Belize 2014, 6min. This program provides an overview of u.s. southern command-sponsored, joint foreign military interaction/humanitarian exercise. As part of New Horizons Exercise Program, troops specializing in engineering, construction and health care provided needed services to communities while receiving valuable deployment training and building important relationships with partner nations. Brief U.S. and foreign military and dignitaries on USSOUTCHOM sponsored exercise.

Scuba Diving Belize, 5min. Filmed at Turneffe and Lighthouse Reef Atolls in Belize with a GoPro Hero 2 w/ red filter.

Belize Day 3, 5.5min. Here we go from butterflies to San Pedro.

Police Check Point Talk Show, 63min.

May 30, 2017

Who's ready for Belize Day 2017 in Chicago...??!!

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials

The San Pedro Sun

Win or lose: NEBL game #3 will crown new champion
After losing game two of the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL), the San Pedro Tiger Sharks will need to win the third and decisive game of the season in order to capture their third NEBL championship. During last week’s match against the Belmopan Bandits, the island team could not take game two of the best-of-three series, and the Bandits won by a final score of 81-73. Now the third and final game of the series head’s back to San Pedro Town where the game is set to take place on Saturday, June 3rd. Game three will be played at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium on Saturday, June 3rd starting at 9PM. The winner of this third game will be this season’s NEBL Champion.

Ambergris Today

Miss Teen Earth And Teen International Titles Selected At Miss Teen Belize Pageant
Kiah Pastor of Belmopan City was crowned Miss Teen Belize 2017 at the first ever Miss Teen Belize Pageant held at the Mahogany Bay Village, on Saturday, May 27, 2017. Residents and family members gathered to support their favorite candidate. A total of four contestants from different parts of the country competed for the crown: Vineesha Price of Belize City, Kiah Pastor of Belmopan, Grace Brown of San Pedro and Julene García of Toledo. The crowd couldn’t be happier with the announcement at a beauty pageant enjoyed by everyone. Congrats to all the girls and kudos to the pageant director who is no other than out going 19-year-old Miss Teen Belize Vivian Noralez.

Misc Belizean Sources

Religious Politics
PUP dah di Vatican Back thenHoly Redeemer starred in Education Catholicism is a country unto themselves not a religion When UDP deh een Anglicans All Saints will be the new alma mater For the elites sons and daughters Re building the Caste system all over 35 years of Catholic and Anglican manipulation When will the people understand what a go on The country’s growth is stunted by these two denominations Hence our Anglican Ministry of Education

BZD $450,146.30 IN SIX NEW VEHICLES FOR ENFORCEMENT IN THE CHIQUIBUL AND SURROUNDING FOREST AREAS
Today, the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) hosted an official vehicle handover ceremony in Belmopan. Six new vehicles, valued at a total of $450,146.30 were handed over to the 4 beneficiaries of the Chiquibul Forest Investment Initiative (CFII). The CFII Consortium includes the Belize Defence Force (BDF), the Belize Forest Department, Ya’axché Conservation Trust and Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD). The BDF received three new vehicles while the remaining three organizations received one vehicle each. The CFII was launched in December, 2016; at $2.28 million it represents the largest single investment that PACT has made to four agencies for a joint cause. The main objective of the Initiative is to increase the management presence and strengthen enforcement within the Chiquibul and the surrounding forest areas along our Western border. These areas consist mainly of the Columbia, Vaca and Chiquibul Forests.

BELTRAIDE Vacancy Notice - Finance Officer
Do you have what it takes to be our next Finance Officer? Check out the attached vacancy notice and if you think you're the right person for the job...apply as soon as possible!

Ms. Belize Universe 2016-2017, Rebecca Rath press release
Ms. Belize Universe 2016-2017, Rebecca Rath, issued a press release this morning responding to the recent press release by the Queen of the Jewel Organization and NICH. Rath states that she became aware that she had been dethroned through local news reports and notes that the press release did not indicate any reason why. See the release in full below:

Community relations project Phoenix takes off at Western Regional Hospital
This volunteer initiative led by the Embassy's Military Liaison Office has brought together Beyond the Horizon: 2017-Belize, Belmopan City Council, Belize Defence Force, Ministry of Health Belize, QSI International School Of Belize, Service Members from Trinidad and Tobago, the Embassy volunteers, and many more dedicated participants! THANK YOU to everyone who came out to lend a hand! Next time you drive by the hospital, check out the progress!

NICH distances itself from Pageant press release
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), wishes to inform the general public that the institution is in no way associated with the content and explanation contained in the said press release 'Miss Belize "Crown Chronicles" (Vol. XIII) Statement front Opal Enriquez' issued and dated May 26, 2017. The NICH logo was inadvertently placed on the press release. In this regard we apologize for this oversight. Just for clarity, NICH owns the 'Miss Belize' name and has granted Queen of the Jewel permission to use said name for the purpose of the coronation (or installment) of Miss Belize ambassadors. Although a representative from the Institute of Creative Arts, NICH sits on the BOD of Queen of the Jewel, it functions and activities are separate and apart.

Men at Work
We invite you to the launch of the 6th annual Men at Work Art Exhibit where our very best in sculpting, painting, drawing, silversmithing, carving and more will showcase their work. Please join us at the Corozal House of Culture at 7pm on Friday, June 2nd, 2017, for a night of art and appreciation. The exhibit will be on display until June 23rd.

Oceana hiring Receptionist/ Office Assistant
Love the sea and want to be part of a team that's actually making a difference? Then this job may be for you. Applications are welcome until 4pm, Friday, June 2nd 2017.

Chaa Creek Celebrates Belize Expeditions' Thirty-Fifth Birthday
“While Mick and Lucy Fleming were building a reputation for taking visitors in at their little farm along the banks of the Macal River, they were also taking guests out to Belize’s ancient Maya temples, archaeological sites and natural attractions like the Mountain Pine Ridge, Victoria Falls, Barton Creek Caves and other features. “Now, thirty-five years after Chaa Creek Belize Expeditions began, we’re having a birthday party to celebrate and remind each other how far Chaa Creek and Belize have come over the years,” he added. Lucy Fleming recalled that with a young child and another on the way, she and her husband Mick were finding it increasingly difficult to manage a farm while accommodating the demands of a steadily growing number of visitors. When Belize achieved independence from Great Britain in September of 1981, the young couple made the leap from farming into the hospitality industry with the opening of Chaa Creek Cottages.

Middle Street closed briefly for intoxicated man
An incident involving a supposedly intoxicated man closed down a section of middle street (Pescador Drive) for a few minutes this afternoon. Under the influence of alcohol he climbed a almond tree on Barrier Reef Drive in front of Pirate's Pizza and fell. He had been seen by the beach drinking and had been wandering that same street by Dr. Giovanni Solorzano's clinic. Although there were no visible injuries on the man, he claimed that all his body hurt. He was conscious & talking and has been transported to the San Pedro Poly Clinic for medical assistance.

Channel 7

Wife Kills Husband In Seine Byte
There were 3 murders over the weekend: 1 on the Placencia Peninsula, 1 in Trio Village, and 1 in the Orange Walk District. We start tonight with the murder in Seine Bight where a wife is accused of stabbing her husband to death. She's Deshawn Martinez-Ramirez, and police say that on Friday night she fatally stabbed her 31 year-old husband, Glen Ramirez in the chest. The couple were only a few days away from their first wedding anniversary, but their relationship ended in tragedy. Our news team travelled to Seine Bight today to find out why their argument escalated to violence.

Unidentified Man Found Bludgeoned To Death In OW Farm
And from that deadly drunken lovers brawl in the South to a body found in the cane fields of Orange Walk. Yesterday morning around 9:00 a resident went his farm near the Millers Bight Area when he picked up a strong stench coming from behind his farm. He followed the odor and it led him to the decomposed body of a man dressed in a black t-shirt, a blue, orange and white Hawaiian style three quarter pants and a brown Buffalo brand shoes. Later on in the afternoon police conducted a post mortem examination. It determined that the victim died as a result of blunt force to the face and it appears he was also strangled. No one was reported missing in that area, and no one has come forward to identify the body - so it remains a mystery at this time.

Shot, Chopped and Decapitated
And to cap off the weekend killings, there was a savage murder in the northern Toledo District. On Sunday night at 7:45, 21-year-old Armando Alvarenga was found lying dead in the bushes outside of Bella Vista village. He met a cruel death: he was shot twice in the chest, and then viciously chopped to both his shoulders. Worst of all, he was chopped to the neck and almost fully decapitated. It was a ruthless attack and Independence police have detained a number of persons because Alvarenga had problems with men in both Bella Vista and Trio Villages. Police recovered a damaged bicycle, a machete and two 9 mm expended shells at the scene.

Cops Know Who Killed “Hard Rock”, But Can’t Find Him
And turning now to last week Wednesday night's murder in the city, police still have made no arrests for killing for Andrew Bennett, the DJ known as Hard Rock. ACP Chester Williams Updated us today:... ACP Chester Williams, Commander Southside: "Yes the investigation in terms of Mr. Bennet's murder is still ongoing. We know who did it. We have been unable to catchup with that person. The officers are still out there trying to locate that individual and we are hoping that when we do, we will be able to gather the necessary evidence against that person to further our prosecution."

Police Recover Jacked Hilux
We have reported on a number of bold car jacking's over the years especially involving those Ministry of Health's Toyota Hilux pickups. Well, this time the target was another Hilux but from the Ministry of Agriculture - and the alleged jacker was one of their own - a Ministry of Agriculture employee. The grey Toyota Hilux was stolen from the home of the Manager of the Pesticide Control Board in Central Farm. On Saturday night around 9:40, the 49 year old female manager arrived at her San Ignacio house in the Hilux. A man with a black cloth partially covering his head and face then held her up at gunpoint and put a plastic bag over her face. The man then robbed her of her leather handbag containing cash and credit cards.

Pageant Organizer Says Rebecca Rath Still Queen
Late on Friday evening we got a release form NICH and the Queen of the Jewel Miss Belize Friday. It was over two thousand words long, and amounted to Pageant Organizer Opal Enriquez responding to Tony Rath's many assertions alleging corruption, disorganization and bad-mindedness. But tucked in there was a reel news gem. The release said, quote, "Effective immediately, the official title of Miss Belize 2017 and all affiliated duties as the reigning Miss Belize will pass to our 2016 first runner- up, Marcia Moody of San Ignacio in the Cayo District. Marcia will represent Belize in the 2017 Miss International Pageant in Japan later this year. We would like to thank Rebecca Rath for being an outstanding beauty ambassador as our Miss Belize 2016 winner."

Territorial Volunteers Go To Sarstoon Island
Today, Will Maheia and the Belize Territorial Volunteers went back to Sarstoon Island - to mark the anniversary of the Guatemalan Armed Forces coming into Belizean Territory and demanding that they move off Belizean soil. So, today the volunteers climbed into three boats and went back to Sarstoon Island. This time, the only caution came from the BDF's Froward operating base who told them to stay on the northern side of the river. And Maheaia did manage to plant his flag on the northern side of the island:... Will Maheia, Belize Territorial Volunteers: "We can't let this day go unnoticed, because that was the day when for the very first time Guatemala came into Belize territory and basically ordered our armed forces to leave the island, but clearly 1859 treaty show that this island belong to us. It's our island and we have to take this island. We cannot allow it to go away."

Man Dies From Head Injury After Swinging Too High
On Friday evening, twenty-two year old Kensworth Castro, went to KoKo King Restaurant and Lounge, one of Caye Caulker's newest party spots. At around 5 that evening bystanders noticed Castro on the swings under one of the lounge's palapas, and advised him that he was swinging too high and could get hurt. He ignored the warnings, and continued swinging. According to reports, Castro eventually swung too high, banged his head and crashed off the swing. Observers say that Castro got up and looked around before heading over to the edge of the palapas. After a few minutes bystanders went to go check on Castro, finding him unconscious and foaming at the mouth. He was quickly transported to the Caye Caulker Health Clinic for treatment, but was pronounced dead just after 5:30.

The Rise Of The Surveillance State?
"Witnesses don't want to come forward" - its a common complaint we hear from police. So, now police are hoping to cover the city with a matrix of high definition cameras to zoom in on crimes and criminals. They unveiled the first dozen cameras today - and we went inside the control room:... Jules Vasquez reporting: Police surveillance and monitoring of crime hotspots has taken a leap forward. One police officer in a room can zoom up close and see - with high definition clarity - what's happening on a corner four hundred feet away, or they can monitor traffic in the center of the city, and zoom in on a license plate or a person of interest.

Police Minister Says Resources Not To Be Misused
And while we had the opportunity today, we asked Minister of State Aragon about the allegation that Defense Minister John Saldivar used coast guard vessels to ferry around his sports teams. It's a report which has the US Embassy - which donated the vessels - quite unhappy. And while Aragon told us that he knows nothing of the allegation - since Defense is the sister Ministry to Home Affairs - we asked him if such personal use of police resources would be appropriate. Jules Vasquez, 7News: "You are a minister in charge of a large array of resources. Is this something that's off limits or are you able to phone the police department in Orange Walk for example and say "eh I have some supporters who needs so and so, I need them move around, unu bring the big bus.""

GSU Got Weed
On Saturday GSU conducted a search at an apartment complex on St. Jude Street in Belize City. After inspection of the space between the ground and the floor of the elevated building, the GSU found about 4 ounces of cannabis in a black plastic bag. The authorities continued to search underneath the complex and eventually turned up another bag of weed, this one weighing just under 2 pounds. No one was in the area when the cannabis was found so both parcels were submitted as found property.

Weed On a Bus
Police also made two substantial drug busts in the past few days. On Sunday the Southside Strike Team searched a Westline Bus on the corner of Elston Kerr St. and the George Price Highway. They found a brown school bag containing 5 parcels of cannabis weighing just over 3 1/2 pounds. The Southside Strike Team conducted another search this morning with the help of the Special Branch. After combing an abandoned lot on Caesar Ridge Road, the cops found a brown sack marked with a Quetzal bird. The sack contained 8 parcels of cannabis which together weighed about 7 pounds.

Trucks For The Wilds of Chiquibul
Today the Protected Areas Conservation Trust handed over six new trucks to the BDF, Forest Department, Ya'axche Conservation Trust and Friends of Conservation and Development. All four organizations are beneficiaries of the the Chiquibul Forest Investment Initiative, a project launched last December which aims to increase management presence and strengthen enforcement within the Chiquibul area. Higher ups from all the organizations were there to receive the vehicles. Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Hon. Omar Figueroa Figueroa spoke about the Chiquibul Forest Initiative and its importance in securing one of the country's largest reserves.

Youth Apprenticeship Gets 10th Intake
Today the Youth Apprenticeship Program welcomed its 10th intake of participants. The program seeks to take youths off the streets and provide them with the opportunity to learn the necessary skills for finding a job and starting their own business. Today we spoke to the program's director, Dianne Finnegan, as well as some of its participants about the role programs like this play in keeping at risk youths out of trouble... "For us this intake is really a special one, we are at the tenth intake, we've come a long way. Starting out with 25 apprentices, going all the way up to 150 per intake, and as you can see young people are still very much enthusiastic about being a part of the apprenticeship program. The program is about discipline, it's about getting them equipped to handle what happens in the workplace, and not just get a job, but holding onto their job."

City’s First Coconut Fest a Success
The Belize City Council held its first Coconut Fest this weekend at Battlefield Park in The City. By all accounts it was a huge success - and we say this because by nightfall - the park was full and when it was done - everyone had sold their products. Lead Organizer was Councilor Jason Edwards, and he explained that the festival is about exploring the many uses of the coconut:...

Channel 5

Wife Kills Husband with Single Stab in Seine Bight fight
A murder over the weekend involving a couple in Stann Creek has stunned the community. In a case of domestic dispute, a husband was killed in Seine Bight, two days [...]

Body Found Decomposing near San Estevan Needs ID
There were two other murders over the weekend. Up north in Orange Walk, police have not been able to determine the identity of a man whose decomposing body was found [...]

Trio Village Man Slaughtered in Bella Vista
Also on Sunday, but this time in Bella Vista Village in the Toledo District, a man was shot and partially decapitated and his body left lying next to the highway. [...]

Kenworth Castro Suffers Fatal Broken Neck in Swing Accident
A mishap on Friday evening led to the unfortunate death of twenty-two-year old Kenworth Castro, who had moved to Caye Caulker just two months ago. Castro, a diver, was last [...]

Police Closing In on “Hard Rock’s” Killer
Last Wednesday, a popular DJ and activist was killed just outside his home on Central American Boulevard. Forty-year-old Andrew Bennett, known as Hard Rock, was shot multiple times to the [...]

Aragon Slates Saldivar, Says No Abuse of Police Items under His Watch
Minister of Defense John Saldivar is embroiled in another scandal. This time he was caught using coast guard vessels donated by the U.S. government to shuttle his Belmopan Bandits, as [...]

B.T.V. Heads Back to Sarstoon
Two years ago, Guatemalan Armed Forces bullied their Belizean counterparts from the Coast Guard off Sarstoon Island, where the Coast Guard men had been seeking a platform on which to [...]

Wil Maheia Says There’s No Need for Sarstoon Protocol
Does Belize really need a Sarstoon protocol? After all, Belize considers half the river and Sarstoon Island ours. That is, until Guatemala effectively took possession of the entire river over [...]

Miss Belize Rebecca Rath Has Not Been Dethroned
On Friday night, the Queen of the Jewel organization via its National Director Opal Enriquez issued a release cutting short the reign of Rebecca Rath as Miss Belize Universe 2016. [...]

Opal Tells Rebecca No Hard Feelings
Now, it is no secret that the Raths were not too happy with the Queen of the Jewel organization. Following her appearance in Manila, Philippines, Rebecca’s father and well-known photographer, [...]

Belize City Resident Attacked and Robbed Officer of the Pesticide Control Board
An employee of the Ministry of Agriculture is in custody tonight for attacking and robbing a registrar officer of the Pesticide Control Board in Central Farm, Cayo. Kareem Harvey is [...]

Fire Guts Carmelita House; What Caused It?
Fires have been sparking all over; the latest blaze was in Carmelita, Orange Walk where a concrete spilt level house went up in flames. The fire erupted at about eleven [...]

Speaker Takes “Yellow Man” to Nat’l Assembly Staff Committee
Brian “Yellow Man” Audinette’s fate as macebearer and sergeant at arms of the House of Representatives will be determined on June ninth, when the National Assembly Staff Committee convenes. That [...]

National Assembly to Address “Weaknesses” in Security
With that meeting pending, we asked Longsworth if there is anything within her powers, as Speaker of the House and chair of the National Assembly Staff Committee, to prohibit Audinette [...]

Surveillance Cameras for Southside Belize City
The Belize Police Department has its eyes on the streets of the Old Capital, particularly in various hotspots on the city’s south side. This afternoon, as many as eleven surveillance [...]

Strategy Tackles Gangs, Business Security
According to Aragon Jr., the addition of the cameras also forms part of a new crime fighting strategy. Elodio Aragon Jr., Minister of State, Police “It’s all about looking [...]

Police Forensics Also Getting Boost
The Minister of State for Police also took on other issues relating to his ministry. With new equipment being added to the existing resources of the department to aid in [...]

Vehicles for Chiquibul Fighters
There is good news tonight for a number of agencies manning the Chiquibul where illegal activities, in particular gold panning, are on the increase. PACT, the Protected Areas Conservation Trust, [...]

Weekend Warriors Cycling Tops Sports Monday
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. [Highlights of weekend sporting activities....]

CTV3

Corozal Police Officers Accused Of Extortion, Abuse And Threats
Three members of the Corozal Police Department are facing serious accusations of alleged threats and extortion by a resident of Corozal Town. Elijio Briceno has given CTV-3 News an account of brazen abuse of power by police officers. According to Briceno, he was returning from a trip to Chetumal when he picked up a friend who was waiting for transportation at the border. Upon arriving in Corozal Town and going into a grocery store, Briceno says the Police pulled him out of the store and told him that they found marijuana on his friend. From there things just got worst as Briceno says he was taken to a secluded area along the ferry road where he was threatened with charges if he did not pay up. Here’s his account.

House Burns On Carmelita Village
In less than two weeks, three households here in the Orange Walk District have completely burnt down causing the families to lose all personal items. Viewers may recall that on the 20th of May the home of fifty six year old Lyncoln Pratt located in the Chips Alley of Louisiana Area was deliberately set on fire by one of his relatives. Just five days later on the 25th an outside kitchen and bodega belonging to Ruperto Chi from the San Jose Village was also engulfed in flames.

Murder In Orange Walk, Victim Remains Unidentified
Orange Walk Police are tonight investigating a case of homicide after the badly decomposed body of an unidentified Hispanic male individual was discovered yesterday morning sometime before midday. Official reports indicate that at around 9:00 a.m. a male person informed police that whilst visiting his farm located in the Millers Bight area approximately five miles east of town, he came across an unpleasant smell coming from a cane field located just behind his farm, and upon making checks in the area, he discovered the body.

LOVE FM

18 Months Later: Ramsey’s Medical Condition Deteriorates and Justice Undone
28-year-old, Herman Ramsey was shot to the left arm with the bullet piercing through the chest. The bullet was surgically removed and he was released from the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. It has been eighteen months now since Ramsey was shot and since then his life and that of his family have not been the […]

Espat: PUP Leader Needs to Listen to the People
To ‘reform’ means to change something and make it better. It, most times refer to social, political or economic institutions. The People’s United Party has been speaking of reform time and time again particularly since the blue and white camp lost its popularity in 2008 following numerous scandals of financial mismanagement and perceived corruption. In […]

No Preferential Treatment at Lands for Cabinet Ministers
Dr Carla Barnett has taken up the daily operations of the Lands Department since January 2017. Since her taking over there has not been any update on how things are progressing with the unit when it comes to the application processes among others like transfers and inventory. Dr Barnett took over the reins from Senator […]

Big Red Caged: Forestry CEO Silent
Last week Thursday, we reported on Big Red, the male scarlet macaw bird that was reportedly confiscated from Belize Bird Rescue and taken to Harvest Caye. Love News has received a letter sent to the CEO in the Ministry of Forestry, Dr. Percival Cho. That letter was sent by the directors of Belize Bird Rescue, […]

Belmopan Police Nabs Vehicle Thief at Checkpoint
This past weekend Belmopan Police recovered a vehicle that was reported stolen. We hear more in this report from correspondent Pauline Soberanis Tillett. PAULINE TILLETT “This past Saturday night Belmopan Police recovered a stolen vehicle along with four thousand Euros and a hundred and eighty dollars in Belize currency. The vehicle, a 2016 Toyota Hilux […]

Apprenticeship Program Expands from 25 to 75 Participants
Today the Ministry of Education Youth and Sport held its tenth intake of the apprenticeship program. Coordinator, Dianne Finnegan says the program focuses on young people between ages 16 to 29, who have dropped out of school, have come into contact with the law and single mothers. Under the program these young people are able […]

Protecting the Chiquibul Takes Precedence
Calls for help in policing and protecting the Chiquibul have been ongoing for years. Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) has tried fundraisers and the likes to gain funds to protect the area while the Belize Defence Force has placed dozens of its men in the area to keep watch. Last December four agencies teamed […]

New Executive for Cayo Special Constables Association
A new executive for the Cayo District Volunteer Special Constable Association was elected yesterday during a meeting where they affirmed their commitment to work with the Belize Police Department and the community. Chairman-Elect is Angel Portillo; Vice Chairman is Victor Pott while Secretary is Araceli Young and Treasurer, Fidemia Osgalla. The association’s executive members are […]

Belize Defence Force Takes Wonder Woman Status
The women of the Belize Coast Guard and the Belize Defence Force faced off over the course of two days to find out which had the best stamina and resilience in a series of physically demanding and strenuous challenges. This is part of the “Wonder Woman Challenge”, a competition that was first initiated last year […]

Breaking Belize News

Man arrested for stealing pickup truck and €4000
Twenty-three-year-old Kareem Harvey, of a Poison Wood, Belize City address has been arrested for ‘aggravated burglary’ after he allegedly attacked and robbed a registrar officer of the Pesticide Control Board in Central Farm and stole a truck belonging to the department with a load […]

Police need help in identifying body found in Orange Walk
According to police reports, yesterday morning around 11:40, Orange Walk Police visited a farm on the Millers Bight area in Orange Walk District where they saw the decomposed body of a male Hispanic person dressed in a black t-shirt and a blue, orange and white Hawaiian […]

The World Agro-Market is calling for Belizean products
Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, USA, Canada and EU. The wonder of our Belize agribusiness and food security is that […]

Body found in OW still unidentified
According to reports from police, yesterday between 4:00 and 5:30 p.m., a post-mortem examination was conducted on the body of a male person found in Orange Walk over the weekend. The examination determined that the person had a fractured nasal bone from facial blunt […]

Rebecca Rath responds to “dethroning”, thanks Belize
On Saturday, the National Creative Director of the Ms. Belize pageant, Opal Enriquez issued a press release declaring that effective immediately, Rebecca Rath was no longer Ms. Belize; that she would resign as pageant director and that there would be no 2017 pageant. Enriquez […]

Blogs

Sunday on Ambergris Caye: There is ALWAYS Something Going On
This has been a week of HOT weather on Ambergris Caye, Belize. The wind, while strong, has been blowing from the south-east and temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s, super high humidity and a hot muggy wind have really turned up the sweat. Folks, it’s a 3 shower a day weather. LUCKILY for us, we are surrounded by water – and a swim is never far away. Here are some photos from my Sunday. Over the weekend – Friday thru Sunday – the Belize Tattoo convention was taking place at the high school auditorium. I bet hundreds of tattoos were designed and applied…the humming of needles…

The Museum of Belize - Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Built more than 150 years ago by the British colonial government to house prisoners, the facility in central Belize City was closed down by the newly-independent government of Belize in 1992. Ten years later, the government of Belize renovated the building, converting it to the Belize Museum, now dedicated to exhibiting and documenting more than 3,000 years of history in the area. Belize was once the heartland of the ancient Mayan Empire and today, visitors can see a rich assembly of Mayan ceremonial objects, carvings, paintings, and other cultural artifacts in the Belize Museum. The museum also has a number of important artifacts from the British colonial era, including Victorian-era stamps, postcards and a display about the loggers who once braved malaria and swamps in the country.

alf Moon Caye National Monument: This is Birding & Diving Heaven
As atolls go, Half Moon Caye National Monument is the furthest from Belize’s mainland and while it’s tiny, it has been given a very long name. In fact, this caye’s claim to fame is for the birds: It’s the nation’s oldest protected wildlife site and plenty of prestigious entities make sure it stays pristine, including Belize’s National Parks System Act of 1981, the Belize Audubon Society and this is designated a United Nations World Heritage site. Why so important? This is home to Boobies. Countless numbers of these noisy birds. So if you’re a birder, you may refer to this atoll simply as avian paradise.

Corozal Community College Prom Night Held this Saturday June 3rd, 2017
Its here once again, the Corozal Community College Fourth Form class Prom Night. The class of Fourth Form from Corozal Community College High School will showcase their annual Prom night event where they will showoff their drum rolling, fire dance, fairy tale presentations, glamour, swag and some fire works displays, Suits and clothing fashion, jewelries, dance show and lots more entertainment. A total red carpet affair will be lined up on the street side and a crowd of people will await for the event. Here is a snippet of last year's event of CCC's PROM presentation. Congratulations to those that will be graduating this year and here is a wish to you all the very best in your future endeavors.

Grand Sarteneja Fisher Fair
We will be there! Will you? Grand Sarteneja Fisher Fair to be celebrated for the first time. This June 10th come and be a part of this amazing event giving tribute to the fishing industry.To register your team for Volleyball tournament contact the Sarteneja Village Council. To register for the Fishing tournament visit the SACD Office.

Best Practices Manual
Join SIRDI as we celebrate the launching of the "Best Practices Manual," a guide to the "best agriculture practices" farmers can take to ensure optimal sugarcane production in Northern Belize

International Sources

Videos

San Pedro Moves Against Maya Mound Destroyers, 5min. Maya mounds dot the island of San Pedro Ambergris Caye. In recent days, the destruction of one has stirred outcry among the folks in the island. The proud mound stood at the southern area of the island. Though it was not registered among the nineteen others, its existence was well-known. The area somehow fell in private hands and recently, a private contractor bulldozed the site. A stop order has now been issued to stave off any construction.

Expedition Divers - Belize DPV Giant Cave Dive, 11min. A first take of some of the video footage we filmed with Wellun and Chip in Belize. Entry level old camera and not enough lights, but turned out pretty alright.

Family Fun in Belize! Mayan Ruins, 2min. Our family trip to Belize. Fun time exploring the Mayan Ruins.

Belize Adventures, 9min.

Driving around Belmopan City. Belize.May 29th 2017, 9min.

Best Of Belize 2017, 8min. 11 days, 38 strangers, and 1 camera.

Belize Movie, 10min. Belize 2016.

2017 05 02 Esmerelda's Canyon with Belize Pro Dive Center, 10min. Much Nurse Shark footage.

2017 05 03 Paradise Canyon with Belize Pro Dive Center, 10min.

Belize snorkeling and scuba 2017, 1.5min. Snorkeling Shark Ray Alley and Scuba diving Esmeralda & Tacklebox reef near Ambergris Caye, Belize. Our stay on nearby Caye Caulker was accentuated by the beautiful waters surrounding the island.

Diving Belize Part 2, 26min.

Belize !!!!!! 2017, 7min.

ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT! SAN PEDRO TOWN, AMBERGRIS CAYE , BELIZE, 2min.

Belize Day 2...The Movie, 4min. Day 2. Xumantunich Mayan Ruins. Pool time and canoeing the Macal River looking for Toucans.

Dolphins sighted on tour in belize city, 1min. Started our day with a beautiful site of a pack of bottle nose dolphins

Zip-line Adventure in Belize, 3.5min. A thrilling adventure zip-lining for the first time through the rainforest.

How to make Cohune oil in Belize, 3min. This is the real Belizean style of cohune oil process! People here traditionally use cohune nuts for making the oil which is called as palm oil in the world. This video was taken at Flowers Bank.

May 29, 2017

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials

The San Pedro Sun

What’s New: Aji Tapa Bar and Restaurant is opened under new management
Offering tasty tapas and exotic cocktails in one of the most romantic settings on the island, Aji Tapa Bar and Restaurant is open for business under new management. One of the top longstanding restaurants on north Ambergris Caye, Aji has been serving up exceptional dinners to visitors and locals alike for quite some years. The new management joins the same staff you’ve all come to know and love at Aji, offering a tropical dining experience with a Spanish flair. With ample outdoor seating, you can enjoy a spectacular meal under the stars, with the gentle sounds of the Caribbean Sea in the background. While the atmosphere is perfect for those romantic outings with your significant other, they also accommodate large groups and specialized events.

Wolfe’s Woofer: The Winner
“Those workers have worked three days on the new septic tank and haven’t even finished digging the hole,” Sherry said. “Your head worker, Mario, is one of the laziest people on earth and you know it. Before they leave you tell Mario on no uncertain terms that I want that septic tank done by Friday.” “Friday, Mr. Dennis?” Mario asked, when I gave him the news. “There’s only four of us working. We would need four more people to do it that fast.”

Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye raises funds to start club and participate in San Pedro Lobster Fest’s Block Party
On Sunday, May 14th, Pier 366 Restaurant at Banyan Bay Suites hosted the Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye Belize’s (RCACB) ‘Mother’s Day Beauty & the Brunch’. In partnership with Toucan’s newest Gift Shop, ‘Serendipity’, RCACB celebrated moms with a delicious brunch, live music, and even a fashion show. Prior to the event, a raffle was held at San Pedro High School (SPHS), where the RCACB gave away two vouchers for the event, courtesy of Pier 366 and Keller Williams, and a 12-hour golf cart rental, courtesy by C&S Carts. The lucky winners of the vouchers were SPHS teachers Phillip Ramsey, and the golf cart rental went to Felicia Ack. For the second year, the RCACB will be participating in San Pedro’s Lobster Fest Block Party. With a mission of “Strengthening Community through Service to Future Generations”, the RCACB will be hosting their “Chairs for Charity” event. For a fee, Block Party attendees can get comfortable seating, limited bar access, Porta Potty facilities, and runners for food booths. The venue will also serve as an opportunity for visitors and community members to learn more about Rotary Club, and members will be able to answer questions regarding the RCACB’s initiatives.

Doctor Love: Betrayed
Dear Doctor Love, I caught my longtime boyfriend cheating on me a few months ago. He promised he had never done it before and he would never do it again and that we should put it all behind us, so I forgave him. But I still think about it when he is late or doing something that he doesn’t normally do and I get mad. He always explains it away but it is hard to trust him, especially when he goes out with his friends. The problem is that I have met someone who I want to cheat with. He is really attractive and I know he is interested in me. Do I get to cheat once because my boyfriend did? /s/ Betrayed

Ambergris Today

Miss Belize Rebecca Rath’s Reign Cut Short As Pageant Director Speaks Out
Miss Belize Universe pageant controversy erupted in April of this year when father of Miss Belize Rebecca Rath’s father, Tony Rath, released a five-part chronicle describing their accounts of Rebeca’s journey to the Miss Universe Pageant. The chronicles depicted the hardships and issues encountered by Rebecca and her family and spoke of pageant organizer/director Opal Enrique’s shortcomings, unkept promises and lack of direction. Ms. Enriquez remained silent through the release of Mr. Rath’s chronicles until this past week when she published a five-page release in her defense. In the release she announced her time to pursue personal goals, that she will not hold a Miss Belize 2017 Pageant and that effective immediately the official title of Miss Belize 2017 and all affiliated duties as the reigning Miss Belize have been passed on 2016 first runner- up, Marcia Moody of San Ignacio, Cayo.

Misc Belizean Sources

Tour Guide Association to host general meeting
A general meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 30th for all members of the San Pedro Tour Guide Association. It will be hosted at the San Pedro Lions Den, from 7PM to 10PM. Your presence for this important meeting is highly appreciated. For more information, contact Indira at 623-4764.

It's almost time for the Flowers Bank Festival!
This year with help from the Museum of Belize we are refurbishing the Community Museum and the exhibit entitled 'The River and Its People'. We have also added a few park benches inside the Neil Garbutt Park which is adjacent to the Monument. The Village Council and the Kriol Council are working on a number of cultural activities for the Festival on Saturday June 3.

Binational Watershed Alliance
The binational watershed alliance is on a two day activity to update members on the actions conducted among the 19 communities for the period 2016-2017. This program is supported by the British Embassy in Belize.

The Reporter

Woman shot in San Pedro
A woman was shot in the San Mateo area of San Pedro on Saturday. Police say they were summoned to the residence of Amancia Martinez, 39, a hair braider who reported that around midnight on Saturday, Martinez reported to police that she went home in a taxi and while she was in the hall, she heard dogs barking and then a volley of gunshots. She said she threw herself on the floor, but realised she had been shot in the right side of her abdomen and right upper arm. Martinez is recovering at the San Pedro Polyclinic. Police have no suspects as yet.

Man accidentally jumps to his death
A man accidentally jumped off a pier to his death in Caye Caulker on Friday, after he disregarded warning from bystanders. Police say that sometime before 5:00 p.m., Friday, Kenworth Castro, 22, of Bahia area, Caye Caulker, was swinging under a palapa at KoKoKing. The bystanders told him he was swinging too high and could get hurt, but Castro ignored their advice. Moments later, he hit his head and fell, but the bystanders saw him get up and look around, then walk to the edge of the palapa.

GOB’s Press Director walks free of manslaughter charge
Dorian Pakeman, 35, the Government’s Press Director walked free of a manslaughter charge last Friday, after the case fell apart in court. The victim’s common-law wife, Sherla Adolphus wrote a letter to the prosecution, expressing her wish to not continue with the case, and explaining there was an out-of-court settlement between Pakeman and the family. Pakeman’s attorney read the letter in court and Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer found that there was insufficient evidence against Pakeman without the woman’s testimony.

Police detain wife for stabbing death of husband
A fight between a husband and a wife has ended in death, and police have detained the wife for the killing of her husband. The incident happened on Friday in front of a restaurant in Seine Bight village, Stann Creek where Glenn Ramirez, 32, was a chef. Police were summoned to the scene where the two had gotten into an argument, which then led to the physical confrontation. During the fight, Ramirez suffered a stab wound to the left side of his chest.

Breaking Belize News

Belmopan teen missing
A teen girl has been reported missing by her mother Blanca Gonzalez, 39, of Salvapan, Belmopan City. Gonzalez told police that yesterday morning around 10:00, she and her husband went out to deliver tortillas.

House destroyed by fire in Carmelita
On Friday, May 26 around 11:24 p.m. ,police visited Carmelita village, Orange Walk along with fire personnel. Cops observed a green and white cement house 30×40 feet with zinc roof located by the football field in the village, completely destroyed by fire.

Motorbike stolen in Belize City
evin Vincent Singh, a 20-year-old student from Belama Phase II, Belize City reported that sometime between the hours of 1:00 and 5:30 on Friday, his black ...

Bus owner robbed
A bus owner reported to police yesterday that he was robbed in front of his home in his bus. Bert Ramos, owner of Ramos Bus Company, visited the Ladyville police station yesterday and reported that around 3:10 p.m., he was inside his bus counting money in front of his Lords Bank home.

Body found in Orange Walk
According to police reports, a man’s body was found today on a farm in the Pettville area of Orange Walk. The body is in an advanced state of decomposition.

Wife detained for murder of husband in Seine Bight
BBN reported on Friday of a murder in Seine Bight Village, Stann Creek district. Police have since issued a report indicating that cops responded to a fight in front of a restaurant where officers saw the body of Glenn Ramirez, 31, suffering from a single stab wound to the left side of his chest.

San Pedro woman shot in her home
Yesterday, San Pedro police received reports of a shooting and visited the home of Amancia Martinez, 39, in the San Mateo area of San Pedro Town. Martinez was seen suffering from a gunshot wound to her right upper arm and right side of her abdomen. She was taken to the San Pedro Polyclinic where she was admitted to ward in a stable condition.

Kaina Martinez earns All-American honors at 2017 NCAA Championships
Belizean athlete and decorated women’s sprinter, Kaina Martinez, participated yesterday at the 2017 NCAA outdoor track and field championships at IMG Academy in Florida, USA. Martinez left the championships, a three-time All-American, making a pair of top finishes in the women’s 100-meter and 200-meter dash.

Esperanza teen missing
On Friday, Stephanie Crawford of Esperanza, Cayo reported that her daughter, Avi Leannie Flowers, 16, left from home on Thursday morning en route to school and has not been seen or heard from since.

Belmopan police bust bandit
Last night, Belmopan police recovered a stolen vehicle and 4000 Euros. The 2016 Toyota Hilux and the foreign currency were reported stolen by the Pesticide Control Board.

Ms. Belize pageant director resigns, Rebecca Rath dethroned?
The National Creative Director of the Ms. Belize pageant, Opal Enriquez, issued a four page release yesterday. Enriquez states in the release that she is leaving to pursue her personal goals and that there will be no 2017 Ms. Belize pageant. Enriquez says that since there will be no 2017 pageant for a new Ms. Belize, effective immediately, the official title of Ms. Belize 2017 and all affiliated duties as the reigning Ms. Belize will pass on to the runner up for 2016, Marcia Moody of San Ignacio.

BTB hosts Media Mixer 2017
Yesterday, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) held its 2017 media mixer at the Belize Biltmore Plaza. The event was attended by journalists from BBN, News 5, Love FM, and the San Pedro Sun among others.

Blogs

Blue Dolphin Villas on North Ambergris Caye: A Gorgeous Property and More…
Here are three things that I really enjoy in this life: 1. Stories and history of Belize and in particular, Ambergris Caye 2. Good dentistry when you know something is wrong and 2. reality television. Remarkably, all three of these things bring me to Blue Dolphin Villa on North Ambergris Caye, Belize. A large home on an absolutely gorgeous property where my dentist lives part-time – three miles north of the bridge… In 1999, Dr. Mark and Joan from Minnesota and a gaggle of teenaged kids bought a house in Belize. Mark is a dentist who brought his skills to Ambergris Caye at a time when there were little to no dentistry in town. He worked over the years to help set up the dental clinic at the San Pedro Polyclinic AND the amazing Smile Clinic – that brings volunteer dentists from around the world to care for many of the kids on the island. They also have a crazy modern dental practice on their property — and Dr Mark is my dentist on the island. Their house, named Blue Dolphin Villa, is 3 miles north of the bridge on Ambergris Caye – and at that time, it was WAY out there. In the bush. There was no bridge from town – only a pull ferry. And going north almost always meant taking a boat.

International Sources

Homeland Security chief says he might ban laptops on international flights
Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly said on Sunday that he is weighing a ban on laptops from the cabins of all international flights, and "likely will" implement tougher screening of carry-on items at airports. Kelly also indicated that he was likely to approve heightened screening measures for carry-on items, which would require passengers to unpack their carry-on bags and sort the items into separate bins. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is currently testing the screening measure.

Martinez Becomes Three-Time All-American at 2017 NCAA Championships
Kaina Martinez walked away from the 2017 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships as a three-time All-American on Saturday, May 27 at IMG Academy. The Javelina women ended the meet with a total of 16 points thanks to a group performance in the 4x100-meter relay and a pair of top finishes from Martinez in the women's 100-meter and 200-meter dash. In the first track event of the day, Martinez, LaGae Brigance, Keandria Taylor and Plaserae Johnson topped their preliminary performance and ran a time of 44.98 seconds for a third place finish and six points. Martinez was responsible for the remaining ten points as she timed out in the 100-meter dash at 11.58 seconds for second place and ran the 200-meter dash in 24.10 seconds to place third.

"King of Belize" in Nazi Plot? 1942
The Case of Captain Gough... The Daily News, July 21, 1942. What Leichester Hemingway, adventurous younger brother of Author Ernest Hemingway, discovered and warned the U.S. about in a Reader's Digest article back in 1940 made news last week. The Army's Caribbean Defense Command arrested 19 Panama Canal employees, nightclub owners and Colon cabaret girls, along with British Honduras's leading businessman: shrewd "Captain" George Gough, so-called. "King of Belize" (rhymes With sneeze). All were part of a spy ring which not only informed Nazi submarines of United Nations ship movements, but helped to refuel the subs at little-known keys and hidden shore bases used three centuries ago by Caribbean buccaneers.

Videos

Belize Day 1 of Fun, 5min. Today we floated the Macal River, had some time at the pool, enjoyed great food and drink and enjoyed some wild life during a night walk.

Belize Travel Diary, 5min. The amazing week that changed my life.

Day 2 Belize, 4min. Adventures to Lamani Mayan Ruins in May 2017.

Mountain Pine Ridge National Park in Belize, 1.5min.

May 28, 2017

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials

The San Pedro Sun

CAMCAYCA and CALGA organizations visit to La Isla Bonita
Mayors and councilors forming the organization ‘Confederación de Asociaciónes de Municipios de Centroamérica y el Caribe (CAMCAYCA),’ and Caribbean Association of Local Government Authorities (CALGA), arrived at Ambergris Caye on Thursday, May 18th for a work visit. Guests came from the countries of Panama, Guatemala, Jamaica, Dominica and the Bahamas. They were able to enjoy a glass bottom boat tour and visit Shark & Ray Alley where they snorkeled with the sharks, rays, and enjoyed the seascape of the area. Those who chose not to swim were still able to view the marine life below through the boat’s glass bottom.

Amancia Martinez sustains gunshot wounds in San Mateo
The San Pedro Police Department is investigating a shooting incident, which occurred on Saturday morning, May 27th, which left 39-year-old Amancia Martinez injured. Martinez, a hair-braider of the San Mateo area of San Pedro Town, received gunshot wounds to her right upper arm and right side of her abdomen. She was taken to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, where she was stabilized. Martinez told police officers that she arrived at her home around 12 midnight in a taxi cab. After entering her house, she went into the hall area when she heard her dogs barking outside. Soon after, seven loud bangs were heard as that of a gunshot. Martinez said that she threw herself on to the floor for cover after realizing that her house was being shot at. According to the police report, she began feeling a burning sensation to her right upper arm and abdomen, and realized she had received gunshot injuries.

Miss Grand Belize seeks beauty ambassadors
Miss Grand Belize, a franchise of Miss Grand International, will be hosting its first ever pageant in August, in which the winner will travel to Phu Quoc, Vietnam, and participate in the international pageant on October 25th. 76 countries participated last year in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, and additional countries have been added to compete this year, including Belize. Pageant director Enrique De León is currently tasked to find potential beauty ambassadors. De León told The San Pedro Sun that he is looking for interested females around Belize to apply for the pageant. As he intends to have representatives from all over Belize, he has been posting open castings online.

Belizean delegation visits Cuba
The Deputy Prime Minister of Belize, Honourable Patrick Faber, led a high level delegation to Havana, Cuba on Monday, May 22nd. The group included Belize Rural South Area Representative and Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Honourable Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of State in the Ministry of Health Dr. Angel Campos, along with a technical team comprising of officials from the Ministry of Foreign Trade, The National Sports Council, NICH, and the Belize Embassy in Cuba. The group sought to strengthen the cooperation between the two nations in areas such as health, education, and a further mutual development in culture, sports, trade and tourism.

Ambergris Today

The Island Academy's Graduating Class Of 2017
The Island Academy held its graduation ceremony for 2017 on Frinday, May 26, celebrating the accomplisments of the entire student body, teaching staff and management, but most importantly handing out graduation diplomas to seven students. Teachers in all the grade levels handed out awards to their top students for excellence in academics, personal growth and social behavior. The Island Academy's graduating class of 2017 include: Tellen Smith, John Greif, Collin Greif, Wyatt Barenfanger, Jamilet Garcia, Skyler Guerrero and Alexandra Lausen who was also awarded with the Sir Barry Bowen Cup bestowed to the exemplary senior student who exhibits utmost values of friendship, honesty and endeavor.

Misc Belizean Sources

Belize Tattoo Expo
The 2017 Belize Tattoo Expo continues today Sunday, May 28th! The Belize Tattoo Expo brings opportunities to get inked in a range of styles by masters of the craft.

Kenworth Castro accidental death
Caye Caulker Police have reported the death of 22-year-old Kenworth Castro. Initial investigations revealed that around 5PM, Castro was seen swinging on a swing under a palapa at KoKo King on the north side of the village. He was told to stop as he was swinging too high and could get hurt. However, he continued. Moments later he hit his head and fell off the swing. Castro got up and looked around before walking over to the edge of the palapa. Bystanders went to check on him when they discovered him foaming from the mouth. He was quickly rushed to the Caye Caulker Polyclinic in an unconscious state. Attempts were made to revive him to no avail. Castro was pronounced dead at 5:31PM.

Miss Teen Belize
Kiah Pastor from Belmopan City is the new Miss Teen Belize 2017-2018! Congratulations!

Miss Teen Belize
Congratulations to the First Runner Up of Miss Teen Belize Pageant 2017, Grace Brown, who proudly represented San Pedro Town!

Relmer Arceo passes away
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its sincere condolences to the Arceo friends and family on the sudden passing of Mr. Relmer Arceo. May his soul rest in peace and his friends and family find the strength in each other to over come this loss.

MISS BELIZE "CROWN CHRONICLES" (VOL. X111) STATEMENT FROM OPAL ENRIQUEZ
Greetings my beloved Belizeans. First, I would like to express my most sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported Queen of the Jewel throughout the years. I would especially like to thank our corporate partners: BTB, NIGH, Great Belize Television Channel 5, McNab Visual Strategies, The Best Western Biltmore Plaza, Music Ambassador Shyne Barrow, Maruba Resort, Midas Resort, The Ministry of Education, and Bowen & Bowen. Our epic return to Miss Universe was a monumental accomplishment in pageantry. The overwhelming amount of support Rebecca received from Belizeans at home and abroad speaks volumes about our ability to stand together as a nation. Rebecca represented our country well and will forever be remembered as the young woman with the beautiful smile and engaging spirit who took Belize back to the world stage.

No LED lights
The Department of Transport indicates that affixing of LED lights (inclusive of other lights varying in size and color) on to a motor vehicle without the written permission from the Department of Transport is an offence under the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Regulations. Regulation 159 of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Substantive Regulation, Chapter 192 of the Laws of Belize Revised Edition 1991 states: “There shall not be fixed to the vehicle any lamps other than those required by these Regulations except with the written permission of the Department of Transport”. Anyone found in contravention of this Regulation will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Woman shot by Bullet shot through wall of home
At midnight on Saturday, 27th May 2017 a woman was shot in the San Mateo area, San Pedro Town. She has been identified as 39 year old Amancia Martinez. She is suffering from a gunshot wound to her right upper arm and right side of her abdomen. As a result she was transported to the San Pedro Polyclinic where she was admitted to ward in a stable condition. Martinez reported that on Saturday, 27th May 2017 about 12:00 a.m. she arrived home in a taxi. She then entered her house and closed the door. While she was in the hall area of the house she heard dogs barking, followed by 7 loud bangs. She dove to the floor for cover and felt a burning sensation to her right upper arm. She realized that she had received gunshot injuries to her right upper arm and to the right side of her abdomen. The Police arrived shortly after and transported her to the San Pedro Polyclinic for medical attention.

Belmopan Football Association First Division Football Competition
Today at the Isidoro Beaton stadium, B sure to come on out to the triple header today.

Congratulations to all the Corozal Junior College - ACE students
For being the first Paralegal Graduating Class 2017 in the history of the school! Certificate of Paralegal Studies:- Irma Judith Castillo, Patricia Gabriela Clarke, Valdemar Bernardo Castillo, Nemencio Acosta, Humberto Juarez. Associate in Paralegal Studies:- Abiel Ochoa, Yesea Ampare Rancharan, Belky Jessie Gilharry, Edgar Luis Teck, Amelio Miguel Cal Jr., Virginia Phillips, Renan Villanueva, Marleni Yvette Montejo, Malena Oliva, Aaron Isai Vasquez.

Liberated red lored babies
These two red lored babies were liberated from a captive situation. A complicated network involving a professional poacher. Thank goodness for sharp-eared Forest department officers! Jess, one of our interns, named them Carmine & Cerise. Beautiful names for these excitable little creatures.

Community relations project Phoenix takes off at Western Regional Hospital!
This volunteer initiative led by the Embassy's Military Liaison Office has brought together Beyond the Horizon: 2017-Belize, Belmopan City Council, Belize Defence Force, Ministry of Health Belize, QSI International School Of Belize, Service Members from Trinidad and Tobago, the Embassy volunteers, and many more dedicated participants! THANK YOU to everyone who came out to lend a hand! Next time you drive by the hospital, check out the progress!

This Day in History
On 27 May, 1784, The Settlement was formally delivered over to Great Britain by the Crown of Spain.

World Turtle Day
No better way to celebrate World Turtle Day than with a trip to the sea turtle nesting beach. Today, we found 10 new nest. The nesting season started at the beginning of May and already we have 14 nest total. We are off to a great start. Happy World Turtle Day to everyone!

Belize Sea Turtle Conservation Network
On this World Turtle Day, we wanna say THANKS to the hard work and dedication of the Belize Sea Turtle Conservation Network. Thanks to their commitment, the marine turtle population in Belize is finally stabilizing after decades of decline due to threats like coastal development and poaching. But they need our help! Marine turtles are still in danger! Take action today at panda.org/belize to protect our Belize World Heritage site and the nesting and feeding grounds it provides.

THE "BELIZEAN FOCUS" NEWSPAPER!
Belizeans in Los Angeles, California will remember one of the first efforts of diaspora news in 1983 for the Los Angeles Belizean Community, the outstanding newspaper by the Los Angeles Muslims of Belize (LAMBS) called, "Belizean Focus". The newspaper which was published by L.A.M.B.S. documented one of the most interesting phenomena that today has created what is called here at this documentary series, "The Belize Gang Crisis." As seen on this headline in a 1984 edition of the Belizean Focus the headline titled, "Belize / Third Greatest Drug Trafficking Country to the U.S." has become a wake up call for most Belizeans today in terms of the destabilization of a once peaceful Belizean society.

Channel 5

OPAL ENRIQUEZ ISSUES STATEMENT ON MISS BELIZE "CROWN CHRONICLES"
Enriquez announced that she will be stepping aside in her capacity as national/creative director of the organization. She says she is taking some time to pursue other interests. There will not be a 2017 Miss Belize pageant. Effective immediately, Rebecca Rath's 2016 - 2017 Miss Belize reign ends. The 2017 title and its respective duties have been assigned to 2016 first runner up Marcia Moody. Enriquez also addresses some of the allegations made by Tony Rath in his five part series, 'Rocky Road to Miss Universe.' For the full statement, see attached four-page document!

Breaking Belize News

Police confirm death of Kenworth Castro in Caye Caulker
Yesterday evening around 5:10, Kenworth Castro, 22, a diver of the Bahia area of Caye Caulker was taken to the island’s health clinic in an unconscious state. According to police, around 5:00 Castro was seen swinging from a swing under a palapa at KoKoKing. According to reports, Castro was warned by bystanders that he was swinging too high and could get hurt. Castro continued swinging and he hit his head and fell, police reported.

Dorian Pakeman’s case dismissed
Dorian Pakeman, Director of the Government Press Office, yesterday, walked out of the Belize City Magistrate’s Court free from charges of causing death by careless conduct. In January of this year Pakeman, was charged for the death of 45-year-old Dean Dawson. He was driving the vehicle which knocked down Dawson in March 2016.

Seine Bight man murdered in domestic altercation
According to reports from police, a man was stabbed last night in Seine Bight Village in Stann Creek. The incident occurred during a domestic altercation in which the victim was stabbed.

Bradley criticizes UDP operatives for “disruptive behavior”
Last week’s senate hearing was disrupted when a group of men led by Chairman of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Alberto August were protesting for the removal of Senator Eamon Courtenay from the Senate. During the now infamous incident, Mace-Bearer of the House of Representatives, Brian “Yellowman” Audinett threatened media personnel.

Daniel Gutierrez is new Ambassador to the USA
Belize has a new Ambassador to the United States of America. Daniel Gutierrez takes up the new post which is based in Washington, DC. The former ambassador, Patrick Andrews is coming back home to Belize where he will now serve as Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Blogs

How to use your cell phone in Belize - 9 tips on staying connected while you are here!
A very common question I get from guests is how their cell phones will work in Belize, and what options they have when they are here, for wifi, calling/texting back home, and staying connected via their data. Here are our latest recommendations! 1.) The most obvious and easy way to stay connected is to simply connect to the wifi available at almost every hotel, restaurant, bar, the airport, and even some shuttles. If it is your first time out of the country, it seems scary to have your phone looking like its roaming, or getting messages that your data is on, and hearing stories about outrageous fees people have paid because the settings on their phone were not right. You just have to make sure that your data is turned off when you arrive. 2.) If you are just using wifi - and don't need a local phone number, or the ability to have local calls come in, you can use several methods for staying in contact with people at home. The most popular way is through Facebook messaging, which is free, and allows you to call, text, and send pictures. You can download this app to your phone.

Is International Banking Right For You?
International banking, or offshore banking, is a perfectly legal way to make managing your wealth easily accessible, more convenient and flexible worldwide. But, is it right for you? Wherever you live, international banking gives you the potential to grow and offers you peace of mind knowing your money and assets are being protected beyond your home country. By having a foreign bank account, you have access to more investment options and taking a vital step towards freeing yourself from dependence on any one country and its local government. International banking gives you the opportunity to benefit from better interest rates and makes life a lot easier for expatriates to conduct business internationally.

Belize Opens Yoga & Ayurvedic Wellness Spa in Ambergris Caye
Science and Soul Wellness had their grand opening at Mahogany Bay Village, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. It was an effective occasion accompanied with fun, food & celebrations with some showcase of the services they will be providing. There were also; dance performances, style fashion show, reggaeBest Yoga & Ayurvedic Wellness Spa jams, silent auctions, where all the contributions and earnings from these go to a Belize charitable that advantages regional girls called SHINE. Paulette Gloria Howard, a Mahogany Bay Village homeowner and also yoga exercise master owns and also operates Science and Soul Wellness. They provide a complete health and wellness, yoga and also various other services such as Swedish and also Ashiatsu massage therapy, Ayurvedic counseling and also treatments, facials, chiropractic care job, also natural spray tans with a comfortable and also is just one of the largest studio in Belize. It has 3 main centers:

Caves Branch Hosts International Health Emissaries
Caves Branch Lodge in Belize's Cayo District has once again hosted the International Health Emissaries. From May 8-10, 2017, the International Health Emissaries operated a free clinic in Armenia Village on the Hummingbird Highway, treating hundreds of local children, adults, and the elderly.

A Romantic Belize Getaway: Beauty & Luxury in Paradise
Although Belize is just a small country located on the Caribbean coast of Central America just south of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, it is a wonderland of both lush jungle on the mainland and tropical paradise on its hundreds of offshore islands. Just a few hours' flying time from major cities across the United States, Belize is the ideal place to enjoy an unforgettably romantic vacation. Imagine holding hands as you walk down the beach, watching the sun rise over the sparkling waters of the Caribbean. Imagine laughing with amazement as you sail along a series of zip lines high above the jungle. Imagine the wonder of exploring ancient Maya pyramids, some of which are still bigger than any modern man-made structure in the country, as they reach for a cloudless blue sky above.

Finding the Right Resort on Ambergris Caye For Your Belize Vacation
Pronounced locally as am-BUR-giss key, Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize and one of the top vacation destinations in the country. Made famous by the 1986 Madonna hit song "La Isla Bonita" (the beautiful island), Ambergris Caye is part unspoiled national park and part colorful beach town home to some of the best seafood in Belize. Whether you're coming to Belize for your honeymoon, family vacation, or adventure travel, there's a great resort for you on Ambergris Caye. Here is just a small selection of the resorts to choose from on Ambergris Caye:

International Sources

35 Percent of the World’s ‘National Animals’ Are Threatened With Extinction
The US bald eagle is doing fine. The Central American tapir of Belize? Not so much. Just about every country has a national animal, a symbol that is widely recognized and a source of pride, whether it's the bald eagle (the national bird in the US), the beaver (in Canada), or the Central American tapir (that's Belize). Around the world, 35 per cent of the world's symbolic national animals are threatened with extinction—and only 16 percent are receiving protection from their respective countries, according to a new paper from University of Miami researchers Austin Gallagher and Neil Hammerschlag.

Videos

Morning Matters with the group Legendary, 61min.

Belize Tattoo Expo, 15min.

Opal Enriquez speaks about Rebecca Rath and the next appointed Miss Belize Marcia Moody, 90min. Enriquez says it is about moving forward. Rebecca Rath is Miss Belize 2016. Marcia Moody is Miss Belize 2017. Rath's reign is cut a few months short to accommodate Moody's entry into a pageant. The Miss Universe Pageant is a private entity that sells licenses. It is not run by countries or government agencies. The license for a Belize candidate is held by Enriquez.

Belize 2015, 5min.

Traditional Garifuna Drum Making (2017), 2min.

2017-04-28 Sayonarra Wall and Tarpon Wall with Belize Pro Divers, 8.5min.2017-04-28 Sayonarra Wall and Tarpon Wall with Belize Pro Divers - Free swimming Green Moray Eel at 07:18, Spotted Drumfish, Spotted Moray Eel, Hogfish, Smooth Trunkfish, Blue Chromis, Blue Tang, Lobster, Crab, Lionfish

Dye Tracing to Barton Creek Cave, Belize, 15min. In 2002 several U.S. cavers continued an ongoing survey project in the caves around Barton Creek. Before getting underground we visited three insurgences, sinking streams, and used fluorescein dye, optical brightener, and rhodamine dye to test whether that water went to Barton Creek Cave.

Blue Hole - Belize, 14min.

CHUKKA Belize Staff Recognition Program 2017, 25min.

Cancer walk 2017 in Belize, 2min.

You Betta Belize It!, 13min. Some GoPro footage from our "unbelizable" May 2017 trip to Belize! Most of it includes shots from snorkeling in Caye Caulker (Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Coral Gardens, and Shark Ray Alley) and Ambergris Caye (Mexico Rocks and Basil Jones), which was out of this world! Belize has the second largest barrier reef in the world (aside from the Great Barrier Reef in Australia). We saw so many sea creatures in the crystal clear blue water: tropical fish, sting rays, eagle rays, sea turtles, nurse sharks, lion fish, barracudas, conch, lobster, sea urchins, a puffer fish, a moray eel, and so much more! Aside from that, we also saw plenty of amazing coral formations and underwater plant life. There is also some footage of some of the inland activities that we did, such as cave tubing through St. Herman's Cave and hiking, crawling, and bouldering through the Crystal Cave. Check it out and we hope you enjoy because we sure did! :)

Getting to Belize, to Survey Barton Creek Cave, 15min. In 2002 I joined some good cavers in Belize to do some jungle caving. We surveyed in Barton Creek cave, dye traced several insurgences to connect them to Barton Creek, and visited a half dozen other interesting caves in the area, including Stone Sepulcher.

Miss Estereo Amor Belize auditions, 1min. Attention Belize and San Pedro, the Miss Estereo Amor Belize auditions are coming your way this weekend.

May 27, 2017

Invite: Contingency Planning Workshop for Small Accommodations

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials

The San Pedro Sun

James Janmohamed named British Honorary Consul
James “Jim” Janmohamed has been a major figure on Ambergris Caye for years, and is the go-to man for many British immigrants who both reside and vacation on the island. From his early years as Emergency Management Coordinator, Janmohamed has been referred to as reliable and trustworthy, a stalwart pillar of the community. He was recognized for his service to Belize on June 15, 2002 when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth of England made him an Officer of the British Empire (OBE). Now, he has been bestowed with another title: Honorary Consul of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland with responsibility for the Consular District of Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Caye Chapel and Long Caye of Belize.

Lionfish jewelry: A creative solution to a continuous problem
Lionfish jewelry crafter and Caye Caulker resident Dianne Enriquez was given the opportunity to represent Belize at the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Expanded Constituency Workshop in St. George, Grenada. As the GEF supports multi-stakeholder alliances to preserve threatened ecosystems on both land and oceans, she was able to network with other Caribbean constituents from Tuesday, May 16 to Friday, May 19th. Enriquez told The San Pedro Sun that she learned a lot about sustainability at the workshop, and was even able give a presentation on how her group of 19 empowered crafters contribute to sustainable development in Belize. Through their coral reef conservation efforts, these crafters recycle lionfish tails, which are often discarded by fishermen, and transform them into unique handmade jewelry, such as earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.

MOH continues to monitor Zika Virus: confirmed cases in 2017
Through a collaboration between the Ministry of Health in both Belize and Mexico, as well as the Pan American Health Organization, Belize is able to send blood samples to Chetumal, Quinta Roo for Zika, dengue, and chikungunya testing. After sending out 537 samples from November 2016 to April 2017, the MOH in Belize recently confirmed 124 Zika cases. According to the Chief of Operations in the Vector Control Unit, Kim Bautista, this figure is highly prevalent in northern Belize. “With respect to Zika, I think it’s been a very good year for us, because the capacity for testing was nonexistent…Since we started sending samples to Chetumal in November, we are getting results almost on a weekly basis, and able to get a response in five to seven days. The majority of those confirmed cases are coming from the Corozal District,” said Bautista.

Hol Chan celebrates ‘World Turtle Day’
In an effort to raise awareness on turtle conservation, May 23rd is celebrated as ‘World Turtle Day’. Sea turtle nesting season runs May through September in Belize, and Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s Ambergris Caye Marine Turtle Program (ACMTP) celebrated the significance of that day, by searching for new turtle nests. After visiting key nesting areas, biologists at Hol Chan were able to find 10 additional turtle nests, bringing the season’s total count to 14 so far. As Hol Chan predicts a normal nesting season this year, they still implore the public to protect our loggerhead, green, and hawksbill turtles. Residents/visitors are advised to: safeguard nesting females and their hatchlings for the duration of the season; properly dispose of the debris abandoned on the beach; refrain from making sand castles or leaving behind any objects that may hinder the turtle’s access to and from the ocean; and to not illuminate areas near the beach. Artificial light from beachfront homes, streetlights and even flashlights can attract the hatchlings away from the safety of the water and lead them to their deaths.

Leader of the Opposition, Honourable John Briceño visits Ambergris Caye
The Leader of the Opposition and the People’s United Party (PUP), Honourable John Briceño, was on a working visit in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye on Thursday, May 18th to address various issues affecting the island, including preparations for next year’s municipal elections. During a one on one interview with The San Pedro Sun, Briceño spoke about his party’s priorities for the well-being of all Belizeans, stressing on education, health and jobs. The leader of the PUP later met with residents at a public meeting, where he further discussed his party’s plans for the island and the country.

Ambergris Today

British High Commission Appoints James Janmohamed Honorary Consul In Belize
British High Commissioner to Belize, H.E. Peter Hughes, hosted a small reception on Thursday, May 25, 2017, to announce the appointment of James Janmohamed as Honorary Consul for San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Caye Chapel and Long Caye. This is the first honor of its kind in Belize from the British High Commission. H.E. Huges stressed the fact that the San Pedro has grown and is continuing to grow, with more British people becoming a part of the community. Mr. Janmohamed will now be a key person to act on his behalf and ensure his duties and services are carried out in a timely manner.

Misc Belizean Sources

Thoughts on pigeons
I'd like to get some thoughts on pigeons. They are becoming more numerous all over Belize, and are very well adapted to town life, so much so that they are now starting to nest in rafters and ceilings of the house. They also make tremendous messes on railings and verandas. So, should they be treated as wild birds and allowed to nest and thrive here, or cleared off and chased away? Pros and cons of pigeons anyone?
They are a health hazard if in your rafters or attic or anyone in your home, where they live, eat, defecate and die. Bacterial pneumonia. I rented a house in Vista Del Mar that infected me. I still have pigeon antibodies in my blood, which is how we know what caused my pneumonia. They are dirty rodents with wings. Clean up and seal up. Don't let them in! I had to disinfect the house and throw out what they had come into contact with the infected. Serious.

Miss Teen Belize 2017
Contestants for Miss Teen Belize made a courtesy visit to Mayor Daniel Guerrero where they spoke to him about their journey to the crown. They were very enthusiastic about their visit and all the activities they have been doing. Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to wish the contestants of Miss Teen Belize the best of luck on their participation in the pageant that will take place tomorrow, May 27, 2017 at Mahogany Bay Village. Check their facebook page for more details!

9th Annual Flowers Bank Festival
Saturday, June 3. (am. Kriol drumming, Sambai, Yangotay Competition, Coconut Hisking Competition, Maypole, Sack Race, Lime and Spoon, Canoe Race, Sporting Competition, Community Museum, Educational Displays, Food, Drinks, Music!

Galen 2017 Graduation
Congratulations to the Galen graduates! They had their 2017 commencement at the SHC auditorium on the 20th! Best of luck in the world! "Another flock has left the nest! Congratulations to our 2017 Eagles who have accomplished yet another milestone in their lives. More photos comin"

NICH Anti-Looting Campaign
As part of our on-going Anti-Looting Campaign, the Institute of Archaeology, NICH has installed a billboard at the Western Border asking all citizens and visitors to help us with protecting Belize's cultural patrimony. Help us in safeguarding our cultural heritage. Please call us at 822-2106 to report any looting activities.

Ya'axché Farmers' Expo
Join us this weekend on Sunday at Medina Bank community for Ya'axché Farmers' Expo! Come learn about innovative farming practices, take part in the beach cruiser bicycle race, play in the football marathon, and enjoy scrumptious food and refreshing drinks at the event. Photo of Mr Martin Chiquin, 2015 MGL Farmer of the Year, Yaaxche Farmers Expo.

SBDC Workshop:INTRODUCTION TO DEVELOPMENT FINANCIAL STATEMENT (PART 2-ACCOUNTING SERIES)
Presented by: Mr. Jorge Gentle, Business Advisor SBDCBelize, Beltraide. Location: Beltraide Conference Room, 14 Orchid Garden Street, Belmopan. Workshop Date: June 1st, 2017. Time: 9am to 3pm. This course is designed for the individual who need to understand basic accounting in order to interpret financial statements. It is ideal for individuals who are accountable for public funds but are not accounting experts! Basic terminology and normal account balances are covered. Please note: No computers are used in this course. Cost: $60.00, Includes Lunch and Refreshments.

Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye Belize donates supplies to polyclinic
On Thursday, May 25th, the Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye Belize donated a large amount of much-needed medical supplies over to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. On hand to receive the donation was Dr. Renae Sersland and Dr. Javier Canul, who both expressed much gratitude to the Club. The Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye Belize stated that members will always remain committed to serve the community. To find out how you can become involved, please contact 653-4806 or follow them on Facebook: Rotaryclubofambergriscaye.

Presentation on Marine Conservation at San Pedro Roman Catholic School
Every year Carina Paz holds a presentation about Marine Conservation for the students of San Pedro Roman Catholic School. They surley enjoy being close to the marine life and having one-on-one contact with them! Here they are interacting with some sea creatures at the Touch Tank. Keep it up Carina!

World No Tobacco Day Health Fair was held at the San Pedro Lions Den today
Educating young children about the damages and illnesses smoking can cause!

Visit by Officials of the International Atomic Energy Agency
The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a mission from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The team comprising senior officials arrived in Belize on May 21st for a five-day visit. The mission forms a part of the modality for technical cooperation of IAEA in which annual visits are made by the IAEA to the projects executed at the national level. The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), the University of Belize and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are all beneficiaries of projects being supported by the IAEA.

DPM Concludes Productive Official Visit to Cuba
Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Patrick Faber along with Minister of Tourism Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. and Minister of State in the Ministry of Health Hon. Dr. Angel Campos, today concluded a successful official visit to the Republic of Cuba. Extensive discussions addressed key issues such as collaboration for multi-destination packages in the tourism sector; the possibility of direct flights; areas of mutual interest in trade and investment; heritage tourism; and the exploration of policies that respect national patrimony. Belize expressed interest in Cuba’s policy of training young people who live in historical areas, like downtown Belize City, to learn restoration skills to be able to participate in improving their neighbourhoods and benefit from the related tourism. The delegation also received support for a request for training to make the Belize House of Culture more dynamic, participatory and inclusive of at-risk youth and the elderly.

Click Here to Support Roger Martinez Housing & Health
Living in Caye Caulker; Belize C.A....Roger Martinez needs some emergency help. He is currently so sick that he has become bedridden and also completely immobile even with improvement due to not having a wheelchair or accessible housing. He has been able to stay in a makeshift apartment under the home of a relative due to his current physical condition. In low lying land, flood waters often take weeks of no rain to finally begin to subsided. Not a good combination with summer heat temperatures already rising and the only electricity being a fan connected through an extension cord in the water. With his permission, I want to share some photographs and also hopefully video. Since Roger is very sick right now and also completely immobile because he doesn't even have a wheelchair. Even worse, is the reality of how he is having to currently live.

Jazz Fest 2017
The 2017 Jazz Festival goes from the 3rd through the 11th, and there are 3 events, including the closing concert, here in Cayo. The Full Moon Concert will be on Friday the 9th at Ka'ana, the Let's Hear it for the Girls Concert will be at the SIRH's Bedran Hall on Saturday the 10th, and the closing concert will be at the Cayo Welcome Center on Sunday the 11th, where Ascenthium and the World Culture Band will be performing.

FCD’s Environmental Educator visits Rural Belize
This week FCD’s Environmental Educator reached the Rural Belize area. Schools visited were St Agnes Anglican in La Democracia, Hattieville Government Primary in Hattieville, St. Therese R.C and Belize Rural High School with a total of 200 students and 11 teachers, informing them about the importance of the binational watershed. FCD is thankful for the warm reception provided.

The Birdathon results are pouring in today....
Who is ready for some Bird-a-thon results? Stay tuned to this post as we will be updating it throughout the day with the results from all Lodges. Lets start with... Banana Bank. 172 species!!! The Farm Inn. 152 species!!! Chaabil Beh Casitas. 173 species!!! Hidden Valley Inn. 112 species!!! Lamanai Outpost Lodge. 208 species!!! Bacab Eco-Park. 137 species!!! Pook's Hill Lodge. 203 species!!!

Taipei Tourism Expo 2017
A regional collaboration for tourism in Centro America at one of the largest tourism expos of Taipei, Taiwan

Frenchie’s Offshore Fishing Tournament 2017
BTB in support of our niche products such as Fishing and marine activities, proudly sponsored the 3rd annual Frenchie’s Offshore Open catch and release fishing tournament. Held at Belize’s beautiful Caye Caulker destination; a total of 22 boats participated in the tournament. The largest catch and release was a 130 lb Blue Marlin. The first place trophy went to Captain Urbina and his team No Worry Bout Nothing. Second place was Captain Hillyboo and his team Carly. Third place was Captain Codd. Fourth place was team Arsenal. Fifth Place was team Fishizzle. Other prizes included the Top Junior Angler,Top Female Angler and heaviest Tuna and heaviest Dorado.

Channel 7

Director Dorian Free Of Charges, Case Collapses
Last year, at the end of March, Press Office Director, Dorian Pakeman got into major trouble when he knocked down and killed 45-year-old Dean Dawson, a mechanic from Gardenia Village. Pakeman was driving his government issued Isuzu D-Max pickup at the time, and after news got out that he tested positive for cocaine on the night of the accident, he was suspended from his job at the Government Press Office. That was in September, and it would take another four months for police to bring charges: but not for manslaughter by negligence, or driving without due care and attention, but for causing death by careless conduct. That single charge was the subject of a preliminary inquiry today in the Magistrate's Court. It's a sort of case management where the Magistrate goes through the bundle of evidence to determine if a case should be sent up to the Supreme Court for Trial. In this instance, however, the court has determined that there isn't enough evidence and there won't be any trial.

Bradley Boatyard Burnt In Boom
Tonight, arson is in the news again. This time the location is the outskirts of Burrell Boom Village where someone set fire to two costly boat moulds owned by Bradley's Boatyard. Authorities found a bottle of gasoline as well as a few tires inside one of the moulds, which pretty much confirmed it as a case of arson. But why would anyone want to burn the property of a well-known Belizean boat maker? Today, we spoke to Steve Bradley, the owner of the boat yard, who told us what he knows about the incident and the motives behind it. Here's Alex Courtenay with the story... For the last few months, Steven Bradley, the owner of Bradley's Boat Yard, has been in the process of relocating his business from Belize City to Burrell Boom. Bradley has plans to increase the services he provides by moving to a larger space, but some of his neighbors at the next location did not take too kindly to the addition of his business in their community.

Did Defence Minister Use Coast Guard Boats As Football Ferries?
Tonight, Defense Minister John Saldivar is under another cloud of controversy: this time it's being alleged that he used Coast Guard vessels to transport his football team, the Belmopan Bandits to San Pedro for games. That's using public resources to pay for his private business and today's Reporter Newspaper says the US Embassy isn't happy about it. The US Government donated the vessels under very strict terms and sources tell us that the Americans have complained to Foreign Affairs about the alleged abuses. The allegation, made first in the Belize Times last week is that the Coast Guard vessels were used to transport team members, management, family members and friends to San Pedro, whenever the Bandits have games scheduled on the island.

Mayor Says Yellowman Should Face Consequences for What He Did
Brian "Yellowman" Audinett menaced the media 10 days ago in the National Assembly gallery, and since then, the outcry against his behavior has been getting louder. The leader of the Opposition has written to the Speaker of The House asking her to remove him as Masebearer, and the media has written to the Chairman of the Senate Committee asking him to ban Yellowman from all future sittings of the Senate Committee. But now as a member of his own party has come forward to say that Yellowman was way out of line. Mayor Darrell Bradley gave the media a candid and cold review of Yellowman's antics today:

Bee Attack Aftermath
The mother who was hospitalized after Wednesday's Arms of Love Primary School bee attack has been treated and released from the hospital. So everyone, including the kids have recovered from that terror - well at least physically. But of course the family of Cruz Raquel Chan has been torn apart after her loss. Chan was stung to death by the killer bees - she was stung too many times to count. Yesterday we had said she was stung 43 times but that was not the case. It was the police officer who tried to help Chan who was stung 43 timesâ€¦but he also has been released from the hospital. Classes at Arms of Love School in San Ignacio resume on Monday. the tree that harbored the hive of Africanized Bees has been cut down.

Two Bus Operators Guilty, Many More "Get Weh"
Those of us who commute know all about buses carrying excessive numbers of passengers - an everyday occurrence, with very little policing from the Transport Department. But, today Transport sent out a press release to say that at least it's doing something. Two bus drivers in Punta Gorda were charged with offenses; they are, Oscar Chen of Chen's Bus who didn't have a Road Service Permit, and Santiago Cucul of Cucul's bus company who "Carried excessive passengers on a public service vehicle" and "Failed to keep Certificate of Registration in Motor Vehicle at all times". One week ago in the PG Magistrate's Court, both men pleaded guilty and were fined $200.00 plus $5.00 cost of court for each offence, in default 2 months imprisonment.

Bradley Confirms He Will Run For Mayor
Returning now to our extended interview with Mayor Darrell Bradley today, we also asked him if he will be running again for Mayor. Municipal Elections are months away - but Mayor Bradley has a history of dancing around a decision for months before he finally commits to it. In 2015, we didn't know for some time whether he was coming or going. But in 2018, it looks like it will be me straightforward - even though the mayor did say it's not about an election, it's about the work:.. Darrell Bradley - Mayor, Belize City: "Well, that remains my position, I want to run for Mayor again. That remains my position. I think though, there are people who make the election a focus. This may be something or one of those ways which you always tell me that I don't answer the question, but it has never been our focus to zero in on an election. Our focus has always been on the work. We have to focus a lot on my managing the expectations of people and ensuring that we can get the work done."

Bradley says Relationship With Councilors Is "Like A Bad Marriage"
Of course, Bradley and those councilors who want to be on the slate will have to go through a convention first. And, from what we've been hearing, the Mayor might not be opposed to a few new faces. When we were at the council office two weeks ago, we got the tail end of a contentious caucus meeting that we are told the Mayor basically stormed out of - after a disagreement with his councillors. When we asked the mayor about it today, he didn't deny, and would only say that his relationship with the councilors is like a bad marriage:... Jules Vasquez, 7News: "Overtime any group of people, particularly in a power situation, you get tired of each other as you did get exasperated and break up the meeting." Darrell Bradley - Mayor, Belize City: "I did what?"

CITCO And Storm Drains
And while that "correct direction" may lead to paved streets and great public spaces, how about cleaning the drains before the rainy season starts? The June rains could come down as early as next week - and a few places we've seen show that the drains are in a bad state. We asked the Mayor about it today - and he concedes they may have missed a few spots:... Darrell Bradley - Mayor, Belize City: "Annually, we do have a drain cleaning exercise prior to the start of the hurricane season, that's something that we are doing currently in Belize. We are dealing with it from a planning perspective, we ensure also that we have crews which are dedicated only to cleaning out drains."

The Many Failings Of The Manhole Project
And a part of keeping those drains clean is getting into them. That's often impossible due to the poor quality of the drain hole covers which are either stuck in place, or broken and jammed in place. Now, there was a project launched a year ago to replace thousands of manhole and drain covers for three hundred thousand dollars, but it's been stalled. We raised the subject with the mayor three weeks ago and we did so again today when we were armed with more information of how badly the project was executed. The mayor conceded that there were shortfalls:... Darrell Bradley - Mayor, Belize City: "Cheap doesn't necessarily get you value and so I think that in hind sight I would have done many things different in relation to that project. In terms of the amount of man holes that have been laid out in accordance with the project is about 40 percent and you have many of these man holes that would draw your attention to Freetown road, North Front Street, the critical areas - these man holes are still there."

DPM Bids An "Adios" To Cuba
Deputy Prime Minister has wrapped up his official visit to Cuba. He was accompanied by Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia and Health Minister of State Dr. Angel Campos. They discussed topics we've heard from Havana before, such as collaboration for multi-destination packages in the tourism sector; the possibility of direct flights; and areas of mutual interest in trade and investment. In the area of education, delegates from both sides shared ideas on how best to integrate culture and sports into the curriculum from early childhood. Discussions went over training coaches and sports medicine.

Attempted Murder By Fire
At the top of the news we told you about an arson at a boatyard, well Police responded to another fire yesterday, but this time instead of a boat, a man was set on fire in an attempted murder. So far, police investigations have revealed that Belize City resident, Dorian Reneau, was socializing with three other people, when he was sprayed with a flammable substance by someone known to him, then set on fire by another. Reneau received burns to most of his left side, and is currently recuperating at the KHMH where he is in a stable condition. Police couldn't tell us when or where it happened and are still investigating the motive of the attempted murder.

Stole A Bike? 3 Months In Jail
41-year-old Jerry Garbutt is at the Belize Central Prison after admitting in Magistrate's Court that he stole a bike. At around 8:15 a.m. on the morning of Tuesday, May 9, the bike owner, Pastora Galvez, went to the Human Services Department, and she left her chrome beach cruiser bicycle in the corridor of the first floor. She had to go to the Second floor, and when she returned, her bike was gone.

KHMH Former Financial Controller Clears His Name
Last night we told you about the abrupt termination of KHMH Financial Controller Norman Augustine. He had been there for almost three years, and had been involved in the process to make the hospital financially sustainable even if it meant forcing patients to pay for services. But, the contract officer was released this week - and it's surprised both Augustin and the Hospital Staff. There's been suggestion that the sudden release involved some impropriety and he went on the media today to say that's not so:.. Norman Augustine, Former Financial Controller - KHMH: "I will not go into the reasoning or the way the separation did occur. All I can tell you is that at this juncture, its irreconcilable differences and we decided to go our separate ways. My purpose of being here is to highlight that in deed what Dr. Coye has said and mind you, he is a man of great integrity..."

Sister City Love With South Korea
Yeosu is a port city in South Korea. It is known for its coastal scenery and it's over 300 islands. While many of us never heard of this city or much less been to Korea, Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley and his councilors have a good relationship with the Mayor of Yeosu, Ju Cheol Hyeon - in fact they have had an ongoing diplomatic partnership for the past 15 years. And today, after all that time Mayor Hyeon finally made a visit to Belize. And to make the most of his visit, Mayor Bradley held a ceremony at City Hall to revive and tweak their partnership through the signing of an MOU. Mayor Bradley discussed how this collaboration will benefit both cities.

Mayor Presented At The UN
And while he was in country today, Mayor Bradley returned from the United Nations in New York earlier this week. He was there as the sole Commonwealth representative at the United Nations Economic and Social Council's Forum on Financing Sustainable Development. The Mayor told them how small municipalities in Belize raised bonds to self-finance development:... The mayor returned yesterday.

Wonder Woman Winner
The women of the Belize Coast Guard and BDF took on the second and final leg of the annual Wonder Woman Challenge today. After a six-mile relay and a run-swim-run race yesterday, the security forces participated in a "burdened" relay race, and an obstacle course this morning and afternoon. We spoke to one of the competitors not long after she completed the obstacle course, and she told us about the intensity of the events and the training required to complete them... But it's not just exercise, the Wonder Woman Challenge is a competition, and a winner was crowned this afternoon. The Coast Guard and BDF were divided into two teams each and ranked according to the time it took them to finish the events. The BDF's Grey Team place first after winning every event. The Coast Guard's Green Team came in second followed by the BDF's Blue Team and finally the Coast Guard's Pink Team in fourth. So this year's Wonder Women are from the BDF.

Ms. Belize Pageant Organizer Opal Drops a Bomb
In April, a beauty pageant controversy erupted with Ms Belize Rebecca Rath's parents going all out against Pageant Organizer Opal Enriquez. Enriquez had no comment at the time - though we tried all means to reach her. But, today she let off with a two thousand word press release. It says, quote, "Rebecca represented our country well and will forever be remembered as the young woman with the beautiful smile and engaging spirit who took Belize back to the world stage." She announces that she's pursuing other goals, and, quote, "We will not be holding a 2017 Miss Belize Pageant." It adds, quote, "Effective immediately, the official title of Miss Belize 2017 and all affiliated duties as the reigning Miss Belize will pass to our 2016 first runner- up, Marcia Moody of San Ignacio in the Cayo District. Marcia will represent Belize in the 2017 Miss International Pageant in Japan later this year. We would like to thank Rebecca Rath for being an outstanding beauty ambassador as our Miss Belize 2016 winner."

Channel 5

Press Office’s Pakeman is Cleared in Courts; Evidence Disappeared
The Director of the Government’s Press Office, Dorian Pakeman, walked out of the Magistrate Court this morning, a free man. In March 2016, Pakeman was accused of causing the death, [...]

Mayor Bradley: Senate Misadventure “Stains” Country, U.D.P. Must Take Action
Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley is taking a tough stand on the fiasco at last week Wednesday’s public hearing of the Senate Special Select Inquiry. The Mayor says shame on [...]

Bradley Calls for Higher Standards for Elected Officials
Should Brian Audinett be removed as the macebearer from the House? The People’s United Party and several others have called for his removal following his behavior inside the senate hearing. [...]

Ashley Rocke Calls on P.M. to Intervene
Ever since the unprecedented attack on the media attending the May seventeenth public hearing of the Senate Special Select Committee, the press has been sampling responses on the scope of [...]

Senator for Churches Believes ‘Public Servants’ Behind Immigration Scandal
The other major question about the Senate Special Select Committee is whether it has run its course. So far, three members of the Committee have spoken out, with Chairman Aldo [...]

U.S. Watching Bandits’ Use of Coast Guard Boats
Could Minister of Defence John Saldivar be in for a reprimand from the U.S. government? The U.S. Embassy in Belize is said to be gathering information about reports of inappropriate [...]

San Pedro Moves Against Maya Mound Destroyers
Maya mounds dot the island of San Pedro Ambergris Caye. In recent days, the destruction of one has stirred outcry among the folks in the island. The proud mound stood [...]

Sylvestre, Andrews, Gutierrez Switch Posts at Foreign Affairs
There has been a reshuffle of top posts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Three top diplomats are playing “musical chairs” in the wake of the retirement of chief executive [...]

I.C.J. Referendum in Guatemala in November; Belize Getting Ready
For the past three days, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been meeting with the country’s top pastors and priests. It has to do with the public education campaign on [...]

‘No Timeline’ for Completion of Sarstoon Protocol
In other Guatemala news, the slog continues toward a Sarstoon protocol covering the traversing of the southern boundary by Belizean and Guatemalan civilians. It has been over a year since [...]

More Drivers Charged in Toledo
The Transport Department continues to clamp down on violators of traffic laws. In the south, two drivers have been taking to court for traffic offences. Oscar Chen, who is employed [...]

D.P.M. Patrick Faber Back from Cuba Working Visit
A delegation of government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber, Minister of Tourism Manuel Heredia Junior and Minister of State in the Ministry of Health Doctor Angel Campos, returned [...]

Closed Bridge Will Not Affect Belize Border Crossing
A temporary closure has been ordered of the old border crossing at Subteniente Lopez entering Chetumal. The Mexican government asked Belize to cooperate in order to stop vendors who were [...]

Mayor of Belize City Addresses UN Forum on SDGs
Mayor Darrell Bradley returned to the country on Thursday following his participation at the United Nation’s Economic and Social Council’s Forum held at the U.N.’s headquarters in New York City. [...]

Belize City Joins Hands with Seoul, South Korea
The Belize City and the City of Yeosu, South Korea have enjoyed a fifteen-year sister city relationship; and they further strengthened that cooperation today with a memorandum of understanding that [...]

Gateway Youth Center Hosts Health Fair
The saying goes that youth is wasted on the young. But as proven each time someone dies at a younger age than expected – whether by homicide or other natural [...]

San Pedro Town Welcomes New Ambergris Stadium
A state-of-the-art stadium was officially inaugurated on San Pedro on Sunday. The four point four million-dollar facility was constructed through funding from the Belize Infrastructure Limited, along with the San [...]

Belize City Hosts Coconut Fest
Coconut is considered one of the healthiest tropical fruits and there is an abundance of the fruit in Belize. Along the highways and in the markets, the refreshing water is [...]

A Time for Prayer and Fasting: Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan Begins
Muslims across the world are preparing for Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, in which they fast during the daylight hours from dawn to sunset. Ramadan is also [...]

LOVE FM

Hard Rock Murdered on the Boulevard
Popular disc jockey, Andrew “Hard Rock” Bennett was killed last night near his house in Belize City. So far, Police have not released much on the circumstances surrounding his murder. Meanwhile, his family and friends are left confounded by the events of last night. Dalila Ical reports. DALILA ICAL REPORTING “Shots rang out on Central […]

Freak Storm Hits Western Belize
A freak storm passed through Roaring Creek Village on Wednesday night. We hear more in this report from correspondent Fem Cruz.

Amandala

One love, Hard Rock!
As a child, Andrew Bennett was soft-spoken and timid, but he would grow up to become, “Hard Rock,” a premier disc jockey (DJ) at KREM Radio. Hard Rock’s influence on the airwaves was to be reckoned with, and so was his influence in his community. His home on Central American Boulevard was transformed into a sort of training academy for the next generation of disc jockeys. During the day, there was a giant sound system visible and audible to passersby, as upcoming DJs honed their talents, but by night, there was a projector up, making it possible for all to see ongoing NBA games. Unfortunately, just before 8 o’clock on Wednesday night, Bennett was fatally gunned down a few feet away from his residence.

Macebearer Yellowman under fire
On her return to Belize today, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Laura Longsworth, confirmed to Amandala that she has received a letter from Opposition leader Johnny Briceño, who has called for the removal of Brian “Yellowman” Audinett as macebearer or “Sergeant at Arms” of the National Assembly, a position he has held since 2008. Serious concerns over Audinett’s behavior at the Wednesday, May 17, 2017, public hearing of the Senate Special Select Committee were also raised to the Speaker by a priest of the Anglican Diocese, who has called on her to take urgent action. Last Wednesday, Audinett, who is supposed to be the chief security officer of the chamber, was videotaped by media personnel while making threats of personal harm and damage to property against members of the Belize press corp, which responded this week by calling on the chairman of the Senate Special Select Committee, Aldo Salazar, to ban Audinett from future hearings.

Bandits still alive, following huge 81-73 win over Tiger Sharks
The number one-seeded Tiger Sharks will have to win a third and decisive game at home next week if they have any aspiration on winning their third NEBL championship in four years. The home-town Belmopan Bandits engineered a huge fourth quarter run, to close out game two of their best-of-three NEBL championship series, winning by the final score of 81-73, and in so doing have sent this series back to San Pedro. The Bandits, as anticipated, came out of the gate with a rush of adrenaline, scoring the first five points of the game, on a Stephen Williams long trey and an ensuing jump shot by Farron Louriano. However the Sharks was able to weather that first burst of Bandits energy, responding rapidly by outscoring the Bandits 34-to-26, to close out first half play with the slim lead, 34-31.

Man, 53, took minor on burglary job
Wayne Turner, 53, a laborer of Ranchito, Corozal District, and a minor had just burglarized Mary Hill RC School, located in Corozal Town, at about 3:00 yesterday morning and were walking out of the school compound with electronic equipment and school items in four bags (Turner and the minor had 2 bags each) when they were busted by police who were conducting an anti-crime patrol in the area. The school principal was called to the station, where he identified the items as belonging to the school. The items were valued at about $9,000; the school had bought the items through fundraising and donations. The items were 5 laptop computers, 4 projectors and other accessories much needed by the school.

Above normal hurricane season for 2017 most likely: NOAA
The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season—forecast now to be more active than normal—officially starts a week from today, on June 1, although the first named storm for the year—Tropical Storm Arlene—already emerged in the North Atlantic on the 19th of April in a month when such storms rarely emerge. A report released earlier today by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that this year, the Atlantic hurricane season will most likely be above-normal, citing forecasters at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. “For the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30, forecasters predict a 45 percent chance of an above-normal season, a 35 percent chance of a near-normal season, and only a 20 percent chance of a below-normal season,” the report said.

Man gave 11-year-old grandson his stash of weed to hold
Despite the fact that marijuana is still an illegal substance in Belize, some magistrates use their discretion to prevent young, first-time offenders from the stigma of acquiring a criminal record when they “caution and dismiss” cases of small “possession of cannabis,” as marijuana is referred to in the Laws of Belize. Today, Magistrate Carlon Mendoza imposed a hefty fine on a 60-year-old man who had given his 11-year-old step-grandson 21 grams of cannabis to hold when police arrived at their residence on Neal Pen Road, to conduct a search. Magistrate Mendoza accepted a guilty plea from Cecil Errol Flowers, who was charged along with his common-law wife, Cherry Mae Wallace, 58, for possession of a controlled drug, 21.5 grams of cannabis, and fined him $750, plus $5 cost of court.

Semifinals under way for Simeon Lopez Kids
Over the past weekend, the Isidoro Beaton Stadium was once again the venue for football action in the Belmopan Football Association’s Simeon Lopez Kids, Youth and Female Cup 2017 Tournament, as first round semifinal games were held on Saturday and Sunday in all categories. First round semifinals In the opener on Saturday, May 20, (U-13) YWAM Valencia won, 2-0, over Police Cadets, with goals from Laddi Gillett (3’) and Jorgar Cassasola (25’). In game 2, (U-13) it was Spanish Lookout also with a 2-0 victory over Mountain View Revolution, courtesy of goals by Randy Elias (3’) and Derrick Guerra (43’). Game 3 (U-17 Females) saw San Martin Medina Girls playing to a 1-1 draw with BMP Compre Flames. Ashley Martinez (15’) struck first for Compre Flames, but Cindy Cruz (45’) got the equalizer for Medina Girls. (N.B. The other U-17 Female first round semifinal was played the previous Saturday, May 13, when Valley of Peace Girls and Armenia Girls drew, 3-3.)

Rural Female Softball scores from Burrell Boom
he Belize Rural Female Softball Tournament continued on Sunday, May 21, with 3 games played in Burrell Boom Village. In game 1, Power Outage (Crooked Tree) defeated Arrows United (Bermudian Landing), 21-2. Winning pitcher (WP) was Eyvette Flowers, and losing pitcher (LP) was Shawna Avilez. In game 2, Easy Does It won, 15-9, over Unity (Double Head). WP – Margaret Hendy; LP – Herlett Clarke. And game 3 saw Orchid Girls (Burrell Boom) with the 11-4 win over Beverly Hill Flames (Lord’s Bank). WP – Valorie Vernon; LP – Alberta Bailey.

Dangriga sports stats – Mayor’s Cup Week 10 results
The Dangriga Mayor’s Cup 2017 continued over the long weekend with Week 10 games being played on Friday night and Sunday afternoon at the Carl Ramos Stadium. In Friday night’s opener, Valley Pride Commerciales won over Sampson FC, 4 goals to 2. Highking Roberts netted 2, and Kenton Flores and Glenmore Godoy got 1 apiece for Valley Pride; while both Sampson goals came from Wasani Ramirez. In the second game, DYFA won over Hope Creek Pumas, 5-nil. Davis Marshall, Jr. once again got a hat trick (3 goals), while Jonard Castillo and Evan Mariano got 1 apiece.

NEBL “In the Paint”
With its 69-60 besting of the Belmopan Bandits last Saturday night in game one of the 2017 NEBL Championship played at San Pedro, the Tiger Sharks stands poised to win their third such NEBL championship in four years; a feat which, when put in context from a historical standpoint, seats them as the next best thing to the celebrated Kremandala Raiders teams of the 1990’s, which won a remarkable four straight semi-pro championships during the period 1993-1996, and seven of eight such championships. Sub-shooting guard Ashton Edwards broke out in a big way, hitting four from long distance for a team high 18 points in 16 minutes of play, but, more importantly, provided his team with much needed punch off the bench. Raul Roches and MVP George Williams also had a good evening, with 15 points 10 rebounds, and 15 points 2 rebounds, respectively. The Tiger Sharks hit 8-of-27 from three-point land, with 2 each from Douglas Valley and George Williams.

Cricket Corner – Conway Young tells Dirk Sutherland, “Sorry, friend, I will leave you behind”
Hello to all following my column! On behalf of my family and the governing body of the Belize National Cricket Association, we send our deepest and sincerest condolences to the villagers of Lemonal and to Easy Does It Cricket Club on the sad passing of their loved one, Alfred Bonner. May his soul find perfect peace with his Maker. Also, to Wicked 11 Cricket Club and the Rhaburn Family of Flowers Bank, on the sad passing of their loved one, Roy Rhaburn. May his soul rest in peace. Under the auspices of the Belize National Cricket Association, the 2017 Harrison Parks Cricket Competition continued, thanks to our kind sponsor, Bowen and Bowen. Over the weekend, three games were played in order to be placed in playoff spots.

Editorial: A socio-political crisis
Belize entered a period of socio-political crisis on Wednesday morning, May 17, in Belmopan when roughnecks led by the Chairman of the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP), Alberto August, disrupted the proceedings of a Senate Committee inquiry into scandals at the Immigration Department, and then assaulted three members of the Belizean media, including a lady news editor for this organization. Six days after the incident in the National Assembly building in Belmopan, on Tuesday, May 23, Mr. August, who also heads the Elections and Boundaries Commission and Belize Water Services (BWS), offered a personal apology for the assaults on the media while announcing that he had organized a group he named Belizeans Against Courtenay (BAC), with the intention of returning to the National Assembly building to resume disruptive activities this Wednesday, May 24. It should be noted that Chairman August, on the Wednesday morning of May 9, had personally heckled and harassed Senator Eamon Courtenay, the lead Senator of the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP), during his questioning of a witness. On the morning of May 9, Mr. August did not appear to be accompanied, and he had broken off his hostile behavior and left the National Assembly building after a while. He returned with muscle one week later.

From the Publisher
The 1960s were a time of great electoral frustration in the ranks of those Belizeans who were opposed to the People’s United Party (PUP). From 1961 to 1969, in three different general elections, the PUP won 51 of the total of 54 seats contested nationwide under the new Ministerial constitution. Within the ranks of the National Independence Party (NIP), which was Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition during the decade of the 1960s, nevertheless, there was a feeling of moral superiority to PUP supporters. NIP followers thought that their PUP counterparts were vulgar, dishonest, and fanatic. NIP supporters also believed that they were more intelligent than their PUP rivals. Because NIP people thought they were more intelligent than PUP people, they could not accept that they were being beaten fairly and squarely in these elections. They refused to believe that they were being outmaneuvered and outworked by the PUP: the PUP were winning, in NIP minds, because they were willing to do anything to achieve and consolidate power, and the PUP were lowdown and immoral. This was the NIP view of things political in British Honduras.

Caretellas say: Do your BWS job, Alberto!
Dear Mr. August, The day that you were shouting in the Senate, we received a communication from BWS about our water supply. Now, you are the chair of BWS and as such you are responsible for us receiving a decent water supply. The supply is less than adequate to say the least. Yesterday, I got up before 5am to do my washing as the water supply had been non-existent over the weekend, I finally completed (one machine full) at 6pm. From 7am to 1pm there was NO WATER and then it began to return as a trickle. From the information in your communication, we learn that we are experiencing ” water shortages or low pressure” This is due to an increase in population and the fact that the water mains are over 50 years old. You say that the company has now finalized the design and plans for improvements to the water treatment plant in San Ignacio, and will commence the works shortly.

Apathy and indifference – the norm
Dear Editor, As a former employee of the greatest newspaper in Belize’s history, I am honored to be able to express my thoughts and concerns in our world today. I hope that you will publish this article so that many can examine themselves on the issue I will address. When I came to the States over 26 years ago, I embarked on a dream like so many others. As I began to achieve my dream and celebrating little successes over the years, I realized that I became aloof mentally from the painful realities of the disenfranchised in Belize and here in America. As I examined myself, I realized that my passion for the broken has morphed into Apathy and Indifference – which has become the NORM today. For many, the old saying, “Outta sight, outta mind” is apropos. As I heard stories of sadness, killings, poverty, corruption et al, I became used to it like so many people. I am not condoning inundating oneself with the negativity.

Is the best of Belize gone?
The country of Belize has gone through some trying times, and while it is often described as “a peaceful haven,” it has battled and continues to battle conflicts both within and without. Trans-boundary problems have been among the most challenging. Although Belize prides itself on being an independent nation state, imperialism has vastly influenced what Belize is today. Not surprisingly, there are those who contend that the best of Belize is gone, and just decades after independence, despite a transformed and modernized landscape, life is harder for many families in today’s Belize. Sidney “Stretch” Lightburn points to the fact that more and more Belizean families are unable to afford to take family vacations today as one demonstration of how things have regressed, as, in his view, the days of abundance are gone. “That generation [in which he was raised] had the best of Belize, because remember before that there was war and after the war, we had things pretty good here; that period between 45, 50, 60…” he said.

1st ever Caribbean Marine Climate Change Report Card discusses Belize’s vulnerabilities
Belize is one of eight countries for which climate change impacts are being highlighted in the first ever Caribbean Marine Climate Change Report Card, providing an example of how climate change is impacting the Caribbean’s marine environment, the threat it poses to communities which depend on marine spaces and resources for their existence, and what needs to be done to address the concerns. In the case of Belize, there are several communities scattered across its coastline, as well as hundreds of cays dotting its maritime territory. Fishing and tourism are two economic pillars which rely heavily on marine resources, which support the livelihoods of several thousands of Belizeans and also provide a protective cover from the ravages of extreme weather events, which could become more frequent due to climate change.

PSU Council of Management suspends its president
The Council of Management of the Public Service Union (PSU) voted on Friday morning at an emergency meeting to suspend its president, Eldred Neal, until the union holds an Annual General Meeting in August, when Neal’s tenure is officially slated to end. We asked why Neal was not at the meeting, and we were told that although he was invited to attend, he had indicated that he had another commitment on Friday. However, executive members told our newspaper that the group felt that since Neal was in Belmopan on Friday, he could have attended if he wanted to. We understand that a challenge has already been raised on Neal’s behalf by a trustee of the union, claiming that Neal was not given a chance to be heard before he was suspended. We were unable to reach Neal for comment when we called him today.

Carlos Perdomo and Ady Pacheco no-show in front of Senate Select Committee
Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber; president of the Senate, Lee Mark Chang, and chairman of the Senate Select Committee, Aldo Salazar, have all separately expressed their desire to see the hearings of the Senate Select Committee come to an end. However, two key witnesses, Cabinet Secretary Carlos Perdomo and senior immigration officer Ady Pacheco, have not yet made their appearance before the committee, even though they were summoned to do so several weeks ago, on Wednesday, May 10 and 17. While attention has been deflected from them, our newspaper today went looking for answers as to why they have not yet testified. In the case of Carlos Perdomo, he was initially scheduled to appear before the committee on the same day that former Cabinet Minister Elvin Penner made his debut.

Belizean stabbed to death in Chicago
Belizean Jermaine James, 35, also known as “Rasta Jayblood,” who was living in Chatham, Chicago, died after being stabbed multiple times in the body by a man with whom he had an altercation. According to the Chicago Sun Times, Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office reported that the incident occurred at about 11:50 last night in an alley on 79th Street between Vernon Avenue and Eberhart Avenue. During the argument, the man pulled out a knife and stabbed James. He then escaped. When police arrived in the alley, they saw James’ body lying on the ground, wrapped in a white sheet, and he was declared dead on the scene by an examiner.

Senate meeting postponed under threat of violence from UDP thugs
Whistleblower Alvarine Burgess, who in 2013 alleged that NEMO and Transport Minister Hon. Edmond Castro was involved in a visa hustle, was scheduled to testify before the Senate Select Committee on Wednesday. Former Ambassador to Taiwan, Cherie Nisbet, was also scheduled to appear before the committee on Wednesday. She was in Taiwan at the time when efforts were being made by former Belize City Deputy Mayor Eric Chang to contact South Korean national Won Hong Kim, who was jailed in Taiwan. However, those widely anticipated testimonies were postponed at the eleventh hour for “security reasons.” Information to our newspaper is that UDP chairman Alberto August would have led UDP thugs to Belmopan under the banner of his newly formed group, “Belizeans Against Courtenay.” However, the Opposition was also mobilizing its troops in support of Senator Eamon Courtenay.

Belize’s Kaina Martinez headlines list of Texas A&M Kingsville athletes at NCAA
Starting today, May 25, Belize’s most decorated woman sprinter, Kaina Martinez will be representing the Texas A&M University (TAMU) Kingsville team at the 2017 NCAA Division II Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track & Field Championships, which take place from May 25 – 27 in Bradenton, Florida. The best athletes from colleges across the United States will be competing in this prestigious event, whose 754 participants – 377 men and 377 women – had to qualify by reaching established standards for each event at a series of meets held during the course of the previous year. Regardless of the outcome of the events in the coming few days, Kaina has made a mark for Belize, with her name high up on the list of qualifying student-athletes in her specialty races – the 100 meter and 200 meter sprints. Because of Kaina, the name Belize engenders respect and admiration among college athletes across the U.S.

The Reporter

Taiwan’s Participation is Vital to Global Influenza Pandemic
The following letter was written by Taiwan’s Minister of Health, Dr. Chen Shih-chu Taiwan’s Participation is Vital to Global Influenza Pandemic Disease knows no borders. Only by working together, leaving no one out, can we adequately address the challenges of emerging infectious diseases, which have been made all the more […]

Police investigate two fires
Police are investigating two fires that took place just an hour apart – one in Ladyville and the other in Orange Walk. The first blaze occurred just before midnight on Wednesday at the second entrance to Burrell Boom village, where police say they saw two […]

Man set on fire!
A man was set on fire by two others early this morning in Belize City. Police gave very sketchy details of the incident, only saying they saw the victim, Dorien Reneau, 35, at 12:35 a.m., at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). Reneau had burn injuries […]

Lovers go to jail on gun assault charge
A man and his girlfriend will spend a few nights in jail because of an allegation of armed assault and robbery. The charge was made by Mario Galvez, business owner of Red House Liquor Store. Galvez went to the police to complain that his former girlfriend, 28 year-old Ester Garcia […]

Ontario resident critical after being shot
An Ontario Village resident and part-time barber remains hospitalized in a critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) after he was shot at the barber shop where he worked on Central American Boulevard. Hammon Lemmoth, 23, was shot twice in the headt around […]

San Pedro boasts $4.4 million football stadium
San Pedro town now boasts a spanking new football stadium – one of the last sporting projects to be completed under the Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL). The facility, complete with a new synthetic football pitch, lockers, concession stands, VIP and media facility, bleacher seating for […]

GOB helps internet entrepreneurs start-up
Faster Internet speeds and the enabling environment to encourage Internet and information and communications entrepreneurs start up new business ventures were the topic of discussion at workshop hosted by the Central Information Technology Office (CITO) at the Best Western Biltmore Plaza hotel in Belize City on Wednesday and Thursday, May […]

BBS acts to discourage price gouging amid rising fuel prices
The Belize Bureau of Standards is conducting a countrywide operation to zero in on unscrupulous business people who use the rise in fuel prices as their reason to impose unfair price hikes on consumers. Even before the warning came before the budget presentation, […]

Police Minister on familiarization tour
Minister of State with responsibility f of the Public Service Union (PSU) El or Home Affairs, Elodio Aragon Jr. commenced the first leg of his familiarization tour of police departments across the country. The tour started last Thursday at the Orange Walk Police Station and surrounding substations in that municipality. Aragon told […]

Belize gains support at 20th sitting of COFCOR
Foreign Ministers from various Caribbean Communities (CARICOM) expressed their support for Belize’s sovereignty and territorial integrity at the 20th meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) held in Bridgetown, Barbados last Friday. According to a government press release, “Fifteen members of CARICOM […]

PUP condemns heckling during Senate Hearing; writes to House Speaker
Last week’s heckling during the Senate proceedings by UDP operatives and Mace Bearer, Brian “Yellowman” Audinett in the National Assembly building has prompted the People’s United Party (PUP) to fire off a letter to the Speaker of the House, Laura Longsworth. In it, […]

PSU President Eldred Neal suspended from union
President of the Public Service Union (PSU) Eldred Neal has been suspended from his post, following the release of a recording in which Neal made derogatory remarks against the Garifuna community. The PSU’s Council of Management met in Belmopan last Friday, where 11 out […]

Frequent liquor consumption can cause breast cancer, study suggests
While some centenarians claim that small amounts of liquor may be good for longevity, a new study suggests that alcohol – even wine – consumed frequently can increase the risk of breast cancer. The World Cancer Research Fund states that even half a glass […]

Decomposed body of Salvadorian farmer found in lagoon
On Sunday, Belmopan police extracted the decomposed body of a Salvadorian farmer out of a lagoon near the Santander Sugar mill in the Cayo District. Shortly after 5:00 p.m. that day, Belmopan police were alerted of a dead body floating in the Colorado Lagoon. Upon […]

Body of drowned woman recovered in Bermudian Landing
A woman who went swimming with her boyfriend drowned in the Belize River near the Baboon Sanctuary in Bermudian Landing on Sunday afternoon. Denia Zelaya, 23, a Honduran who lived on Cemetery Road in Belize City, reportedly went with her boyfriend, Police Constable […]

Editorial
A lot of us were astounded when the Barrow government announced it was considering an offer from the Ashcroft Group to build a deep water port for Belize using the existing Belize Port structure by extending it to deeper water. A deep water port out in the open, subject to […]

Popular DJ shot dead!
A popular Belize City DJ, 42-year-old Ian “Hard Rock” Bennett, was shot as many as nine times on Wednesday night near his home on Central American Boulevard. He died shortly after being hit. Bennett was sitting under a bus stop, which was only a stone’s […]

Killer bees sting elderly woman to death
A 60-year-old woman was stung to death by Africanized killer bees on Wednesday afternoon at the Arm of Love Primary School compound in San Ignacio town, Cayo. Around 3:00 on Wednesday afternoon, Cruz Raquel Chan, of the Trench Town area in San Ignacio […]

US Embassy taking note of Minister’s misappropriation of donations
The US Embassy says it is aware of reports of inappropriate use of the Coast Guard boats, gifted to Belize by the US government, and that it is gathering additional information in response to the allegations. The embassy’s statement was in direct response to questions […]

Pastor Louis Wade claims bogus charge by Minister’s son
Pastor Louis Wade, owner of Plus TV, was arraigned in the San Ignacio Magistrate Court last Friday, on charges stemming from an incident last November involving a Minister’s son. Wade, however, refutes the allegations against him and says the charges are bogus and politically motivated. […]

Threats of violence disrupt Senate hearings
On Wednesday, as early as 6:00 a.m., elements of the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU), weapons in hand, set up a checkpoint on the George Price Highway. With their command center nearby, these officers were dispatched to ensure that the Senate hearing scheduled for that day would proceed peacefully. There is […]

Breaking Belize News

Two bus drivers charged for traffic violations
Two bus drivers will be charged by the Officers of the Department of Transport for traffic offenses. Oscar Chen of Chen’s bus company will be charged for failure to produce road service permit.

Officials of the International Atomic Energy Agency visit Belize
The Ministry of Health, the Office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a mission from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The team comprising of senior officials arrived in Belize on May 21st for a five-day visit.

DPM concludes official visit to Cuba
The Deputy Prime Minister of Belize Patrick Faber along with Minister of Tourism, Manuel Heredia Jr. and Minister of State in the Ministry of Health Dr. Angel Campos, today concluded their official visit to the Republic of Cuba.

Affixing of unauthorized lamps (lights) to motor vehicles
The Department of Transport today informed the public that affixing LED lights (inclusive of other lights varying in size and color) to motor vehicles without written permission from the Department of Transport is an offense under the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Regulations.

Man dies in Caye Caulker, cause of death unconfirmed
A man died in Caye Caulker earlier tonight and there are varying reports of the incident. One report suggests the man jumped off a pier on the island and broke his neck. The other report indicates that he drowned and that he didn’t receive any trauma to his head.

Fire engulfs wooden kitchen and bodega in Orange Walk
In the early morning hours of Thursday, May 25, police visited San Jose Village, Orange Walk District where a wooden kitchen and a wooden bodega were seen engulfed in flames.

Arson in Ladyville Village
Last night around 11:50, Ladyville police responded to a fire at the second entrance of Burrell Boom Village where they saw two boat moulds on fire. Two burnt tires and a bottle with gasoline were seen on top of the boat moulds.

Man set on fire in Belize City in stable condition
According to police reports, yesterday around 12:35 p.m., police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (K.H.M.H) where they saw Dorien Reneau, 35, of Belize City suffering from burn injuries to the left arm, left abdomen area, and left foot.

US Embassy monitoring Minister Saldivar’s use of Coast Guard vessels
The US Embassy in Belize is aware of a situation in which Defense Minister, John Saldivar has reportedly used U.S. donated Coast Guard vessels and fuel to ferry his privately owned Bandits team to and from San Pedro for games on the island, according […]

FCD assists farmers in Vaca Forest Reserve
Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) is assisting farmers in the Vaca Forest reserve area in Cayo. FCD is distributing supplies for the farmers’ agro-ecological activities. The aim is to conduct better sustainable practices in the reserve. This initiative by FCD is supported by […]

Second Annual Wonder Woman Challenge
The Annual Wonder Woman Challenge between women of the various disciplines in the security forces of Belize started yesterday. Female officers from the Belize Coast Guard (BCG), the Belize Defense Force, and the Belize Police Department are partaking in the two-day event that includes […]

Mexico extends stay to Belizean regional visitor card holders to 7 days
The Embassy of Mexico in Belize, yesterday, informed that on May 19, an amendment to Section III of Article 52 of the Migration Law was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation, by means of which it extends from three to seven days […]

KHMH Finance Director fired
According to reports, the Director of Finance of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), Norman Augustine was sent home earlier this week. Yesterday, KHMH CEO confirmed to the media that the Board of Directors had decided to pay Augustine and let him go. The […]

Trump proposes to cut aid for Central America
U.S. President Donald Trump, on Tuesday, proposed a budget which seeks to cut government spending by some $3.6 trillion over the next decade with drastic cuts in spending and aid for most federal departments including the State Department, which provides aid to Mexico and […]

Of men,dogs and fear – Trump and Alberto August
If you know who you are, and where you are supposed to be, you don’t have to bully your way to get there. The spectacle of Trump shoving Dusko Markovic, the leader of Montenegro, to get to the front of a photo op is […]

Nazarene Church supports Pastor Wade
The Church of Nazarene has issued a statement indicating that it finds the charges made against Pastor Louis Wade Jr. totally unacceptable. The release says that the church continually keeps check of its pastors to ensure their right standing with their doctrine and belief […]

Blogs

Spending some time at Palapa Bar
Now located in downtown San Pedro, owners Scott and Jodie Harnish experienced much heartbreak when they lost their beloved, recently transplanted bar, during the devastating Hurricane Earl of 2016. But, as her owners, and truthfully, all those who knew her would say, “She’s resilient and strong”. So, like a phoenix rising from the ashes (rubble), she came back and she is bigger and better than ever! The final result; a gleaming, fantastic space with an extra-large bar that can seat tons of people. The inner tubes are still outside on the turquoise water, and you can still get your beers dropped down for you in a bucket. The laughter is just as loud, or perhaps louder now, and the palapa casts its shade on you when the sun gets to be a bit too much.

Visiting Sarteneja in Northern Belize - Everything You Need to Know
Due to Sarteneja’s position on the Bay of Corozal, it is the only place in Belize where you can watch the sun set over water. Still the home of fisherman and lobstermen, the village is also renowned for its artisan boatbuilders. Another important local industry is pineapple farming. Sarteneja is located in the northeastern tip of Corozal District in northern Belize approximately 40 miles north of Orange Walk Town. Tourism is only starting to discover Sarteneja so there aren’t many connections to this remote village. From Orange Walk Town, it’s about an hour or so over smaller roads to traverse the 40 miles to the village of Sarteneja. You can also arrive by water taxi (Thunderbolt Water Taxi) from either Corozal or Ambergris Caye.

Something People Rarely Do On Ambergris Caye
It is a known fact that Belikin beer drinkers and Travelers Rum lovers, visiting or living on Ambergris Caye often do not usually drink enough water. Or in my case, iced coffee often keeps me from the healthier hydration option. Despite the importance of water, it is often the overlooked and people often reach for other liquids, such as coffee, sodas, juices, and alcoholic beverages. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 43 percent of adults drink less than four cups of water daily, which includes 7 percent of adults who drink no water at all. I was recently asked by a Canadian friend (who owns a Belize beach house) to help him remember to drink more water. I started out with google and sending interesting water glass pictures. Doing so made me address not drinking enough myself – thanks for the inspiration to be healthier JC. Not long after, I was surfing the Play Store and I hit the perfect answer for both of us – a fun water reminder option.

PICTURES OF BELIZE: BEST BEACH PHOTOS OF 2017 (SO FAR)
If you’re anything like us, travel envy and wanderlust are very VERY real things that you feel. Sometimes you browse #travel and wonder why you do this to yourself and then proceed to plan a hypothetical trip to said place in Instagram’s search. Usually, we’d frown upon intentionally sparking destination jealousy but we couldn’t help it this time. Check out the best beach photos of Belize this year so far (in no particular order)

Visit the famous chicken drop in San Pedro Ambergris Caye
Come say hi to the staff of Wahoo's Lounge that works hard behind the counter that makes Wahoo's Lounge famous. if your looking for Wahoo's Lounge it is located in the heart of San Pedro Ambergris Caye. It is located in front of Spindrift Hotel on the first floor on the beachside. Wahoo' s Lounge has reasonable bar prices of 5bze for a beer, drink, or any other beer that is on 5bze pricing. It is 5bze everywhere on the island. Wahoo's Lounge has a view from the Barrier Reef and the waterview. It is an indoor bar with great music you might like. Don't worry, because Caliente's offers food right next door while you site back and have drink here at Wahoo's Lounge. Tourists come here just for one reason: The Chicken Drop. If you're a fan of gambling you might win alot of Cash. Also, every Saturday is Karaoke for those who want to try your Tryaoke. Many people may be asking "What is Chicken Drop? "

Why visit Belize Cave Tubing Eco Park
This cave adventure is one of the most popular Mayan burial sites in Western Belize. Actun Tunichil Muknal (the Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre), also known locally as ATM, is a cave in Belize, located near San Ignacio, Cayo District, notable as a Maya archaeological site that includes skeletons, ceramics, and stoneware. There are several areas with skeletal remains in the main chamber. The best known to all visitors is "The Crystal Maiden", the skeleton of an adolescent (now thought to be a teenage boy), possibly a sacrifice victim, whose bones have been calcified to a sparkling, crystallized appearance.

International Sources

No Tropical Development Is Expected This Weekend Across The Atlantic, Caribbean & Gulf Of Mexico
Weather analysis today indicates that tropical development is not expected through this weekend and likely into next week. A tropical wave located to the east of the Lesser Antilles near 50 West Longitude, which exhibited a flareup of shower and thunderstorm activity yesterday, now has minimal shower activity with it. This tropical wave is expected to pass through the Lesser Antilles this weekend and is likely to bring some increase in shower and thunderstorm activity across much of the Lesser Antilles starting on Sunday and continuing into Monday. Tropical development is not expected from this tropical wave due to very high wind shear and very unfavorable environmental conditions. Looking ahead to next week – Some of the model guidance, including the European and UKMET models are hinting that the Bay of Campeche and the western Gulf of Mexico may be areas to keep an eye on. The UKMET model and the European model disagree on what may occur. The UKMET model is currently forecasting that a tropical disturbance now in the eastern Pacific will be pulled northward into the Bay of Campeche late next week where it tries to develop.

Trump proposes deep U.S. spending cuts in Mexico, Central America
President Donald Trump on Tuesday proposed drastically slashing U.S. foreign aid spending in Mexico and Central America, which are struggling with drug violence, graft and poverty that prompts many from the troubled region to migrate north. Tuesday's proposal foresees 2018 Mexican aid of $87.66 million, down more than 45 percent from the 2016 outlay. The budget proposes scrapping most U.S. money for the Mexican military, along with counterterrorism funds and some governance programs. Narcotics and law enforcement spending would fall from $100 million in 2016 to $60 million. In Guatemala, U.S. aid would drop almost 40 percent from 2016, to $80.66 million, while in Honduras and El Salvador it would fall nearly a third. Some of this money benefits Belize.

Scotland’s Love Affair With Seaweed
In the 1960s, my aunt Annalena kept a small tin in the kitchen cupboard of her Glasgow flat and would bring it out to dispense treats to visiting children — not candies but dulse (Palmaria palmata), red shards of dried seaweed that we would place on our tongues, savoring the mysterious sweet-bacon tang, until they melted away like communion wafers. To many urban westerners, seaweed is Asian fare, a staple of the sushi bar, but it has long been regarded as a delicacy in the western highlands and islands of Scotland. Because of tidal conditions, constant sea temperatures and unpolluted shores, the region is particularly rich in seaweed varieties, which were used for fertilizer as well as food. A sixth-century Gaelic poem, sometimes attributed to St. Columba, who lived on the Hebridean island of Iona, asks God to assist the monk’s daily routine: “Let me do my daily work/Gathering dulse/Catching fish/Giving food to the poor.” The early travel writer Martin Martin, visiting the Hebrides in the 18th century, noted that seaweed was eaten by “vulgar natives,” and it was widely regarded as famine food. Today, the vulgar natives have been vindicated. Seaweed is recognized as a mineral-rich superfood, and its harvesting for culinary use is big business. One award-winning company, based in Edinburgh, Mara Seaweed, now exports to outlets like Blue Apron in the U.S.A. The female founders, Fiona Houston and Xa Milne, along with their team, harvest their seaweed on the coastline around the charming fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife, north of Edinburgh.

Looking back at fishing trip to Belize 30 years ago
“Cast, mon, cast now,” said my Belizean flats guide, Joel Westby. He is screaming this at my back because I am doing my best to do what he says. A wizened, grizzled Belizean, burned dark as mahogany by the tropical sun, his reputation ran far and wide in fly fishing circles. Joel hated to miss a cast to a bonefish, permit or tarpon. After my cast fell behind and far short of the big bonefish he had just spent 10 minutes poling me into position for a cast, the air was dark with language I had not heard come from the lips of a guide, let alone one that was a living legend. It was a good thing he was fouling the air with the pidgin Creole of the Caribbean, or my feelings probably would have been crushed. That day was 30 years ago this month. Since this is Memorial Day it is only fitting I remember a fishing trip to Belize, the subject of one of my first Streamside columns published in the Cody Enterprise in May 1987.

Free Health Care as Dangriga Appears on the Horizon
A Blackhawk helicopter thundered down the Caribbean coastline breaking the early morning silence of Sovereign Day, May 22, 2017, drawing a cheerful crowd of people from the nearby town. Alerted by the helicopter, the locals came by car, bicycle, or on foot, to visit a sprawl of Army-green tents that had popped up near the landing site, seemingly overnight. The tents are marked with banners emblazoned with the emblem of the Red Cross and the circular insignia of Beyond the Horizon 2017. The arrival of the helicopter and the raising of the tents mark the beginning of an eleven-day free medical event for the people of Dangriga. BTH 2017 is a U.S. Army South partnership exercise with the Belize Defense Force and the Ministries of Defense, Health and Education. The exercise consists of five construction projects and three health care events in communities across Belize.

U.S. accusation creates vexing financial worries for region
CARICOM leaders are in a state of shock, dismay and disbelief after the United States accused 14 of the 15-member states of money laundering. News reports indicate that this accusation was included in the March report from the International Narcotics Control Strategy of the U.S. Department of State. According to a report in Caribbean Life, the countries that were included are Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago. Other Caribbean territories and countries also labeled as money launderers in the U.S. report are Aruba, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Cuba, Curacao, the Dominican Republic and Saint Maarten. The country of Montserrat was omitted because it is still considered a British territory.

Recap of day 1 at NCAA Track Championships
Kaina Martinez set a new school record and ran the fastest time of 11.46 seconds in the prelims of the women's 100-meter dash to qualify for the finals in two days. Plaserae Johnson also participated in the event, but fell three seconds short to qualify as she placed 9th with a time of 11.68 seconds. Martinez and Johnson along with LaGae Brigance and Keandria Taylor ran an impressive time in the women's 4x100-meter relay prelims and claimed the top slot with their 45.01-second time, which currently sits second in the school's record book.

Videos

Check it!!! Belize cavs fan.. Wanna be like Lebron, 1min.

OCEANA and World Turtle Day, 1min. In honor of World Turtle Day on May 23rd 2017, Oceana partnered with Sea to Shore Alliance and the Gales Point Wildlife Sanctuary to take 22 students from the Gales Point Government School to cleanup the turtle beach in the village. Up to 20 bags of trash were removed from the beach which already has its first turtle nest for this nesting season! These kids are turtley sensational!

No Fear Promotions Project X Episode 2, 17min.

2017 NTHU Educational Service Group, 4min. The NTHU Educational Service Group created a cool video in which you can see some of the amazing work they do in Cayo every Summer. Some is in Chinese, but the pictures say it all. Thanks, NTHU! See you soon!

Belizean Sunrise, 3min. Sunrise over the ocean in Belize and a morning swim

Summer 2011 Sittee River Belize, 6min.

Belize Music Week 2017 With Shine Barrow, 15min.

Southern Belize Trip, 9min.

Belize diving, 2.5min. Diving at the Blue Hole in Belize.

BELIZE THE MOVIE, 28min.

Belize Now - May 26, 2017, 24min. La Gracia Village receives first of its kind smart solar power system in Belize, the Ambergris Stadium is officially inaugurated, and Minister Aragon commences national tour of the Police Department. These stories and more on this week’s edition of Belize Now. Thanks for joining us on this Friday, May 26th, 2017!

Belize 2017, 7min.

May 26, 2017

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials

The San Pedro Sun

Belizekids.org and Canary Cove launch new eye clinic
Through the team efforts of BelizeKids.org (BKO), Canary Cove, Stanford University in California, USA, the San Pedro Lions Club, and the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired (BCVI), San Pedro Town now has its first-ever, free eye clinic. Located at the current San Pedro Lions Den’s BCVI examination room, the eye clinic is now equipped with all necessary machines in order to provide an array of services. Listwin explained his inspiration behind the project. “Healthcare is a big missing piece in this community, and my wife and I try to do a major project in the community every year. I have lived here part-time for 10 years, and I consider San Pedro as one of my home communities. We’ve been very fortunate in technology businesses, so we wanted to invest in the local community. This idea just came about as an accident. I met Lion Jan Brown who needed additional equipment for the Lions eye-screening program, and after meeting Dr. Fisher, who is my neighbor, all of this came together when we spoke to the San Pedro Lions Club.

National Tourism Policy consultations assesses Belize’s Tourism Product
In an effort to update the National Tourism Policy (NTP), a consultation workshop was held at the Sunbreeze Hotel Conference Room on Thursday, May 18th. The United Nations (UN) has designated 2017 as the ‘International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development’, and are highlighting the need for a tourism policy that delivers sustainable and inclusive growth, protects the environment, celebrates cultural diversity, and enhances mutual understanding. The last NTP for Belize was prepared in 2005, and the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MTCA) stated that a revised policy is needed to reflect current trends that are affecting the country’s tourism industry. Consultations have been hosted in San Ignacio, Orange Walk Town, Belize City, Placencia, and Punta Gorda. San Pedro was the last stop for the Northern Islands and Belize Reef region.

3rd Annual Frenchie’s Offshore Open catch and release tournament held in Caye Caulker
The 3rd annual Frenchie’s Offshore Open was hosted by the Belize Game Fish Association (BGFA) out of the popular Lazy Lizard in Caye Caulker over the Commonwealth Day weekend, Saturday, May 20th and 21st. A total of 22 boats entered to compete for over $15,000 in cash and prizes. Despite the heavy southeaster breeze, the tournament was declared a success, and at the end of the two-day competition team ‘No Worry Bout Nothing,’ manned by Captain Aldo Urbina captured the grand prize. The first place trophy went to Captain Urbina and his team No Worry Bout Nothing, who recorded a total of 5,073.5 points over the two-day tournament and walked away with a cash prize of $5,000. In second place was Captain Hillyboo and his team Carly with a total of 2,574.5 points and $3,000. Capturing third place was Captain Codd with a total of 2,510 points and a cash prize of $1,500. In fourth place, with 1,042.5 points and a cash prize of $1,000 was team Arsenal, followed by team Fishizzle in fifth place with 704.5 points and a cash prize of $500.

Captain Shark’s celebrates 20 years of service to La Isla Bonita
Captain Shark’s Marine Center celebrated their 20th anniversary on Saturday, May 20th at their location on Lion Street in San Pedro Town. Throughout the day, there were great deals on accessories for fishing, boats, marine equipment; golf cart parts and amazing deals on their new Club Car golf carts. Visitors even had the chance to test drive the new and upgraded golf carts, which according to management are the only ones in town and available at Captain Shark’s only.

Five-a-Side football tournament: Week two
Wednesday night saw three games take place in the male division. Games started at 7PM, and saw sweeping victories favoring the most prepared teams. At the end of the first night of games the results were: Jokers FC 4 vs Goliath 1, Rough & Tough 3 vs Tropic 1, and Rookies 6 vs Tuff Strikers 0. The second round of games continues on Friday, May 27th, and runs through the weekend starting at 7PM. Everyone is invited to come out and support our local athletes!

Ambergris Today

SUCCESS: Development Stop Order Issued On Property With Maya Mound
The Institute of Archaeology has issued a stop order on any clearing, construction or development on a parcel of land in the San Pablo Area of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize after property owners decided to level a large section of a Maya mound located on site. Proper test pits will be dug on the San Pablo site in order to isolate Maya artifacts, record the significance of the side, preserving finds and the mound itself. According to Dr. Allan Moore there have been a number of stop orders placed on development attempts on this particular property as it seems that it has been sold a few times. Upon realizing that the property contains a Maya mound and that they cannot develop on the land, the owners have resorted into reselling the property.

Journalist Kendis Gibson Visits Belize After 11 Years
Belizean native, Kendis Gibson, residing in the United States of America has made a name for himself as a successful journalist. He just recently was named co-anchor of ABC’s ‘America This Morning’ & ‘World News.” Two weeks ago he took a break from his television studio life to come back home in Belize and revisiting family and childhood memories.

Misc Belizean Sources

Belize Chef Leads the Charge for Sustainable Seafood
Chef Jennie Staines has pioneered the use of sustainable seafood in Belize’s dining scene. She’s the head chef at Elvi’s Kitchen in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, the country’s largest island and a major tourist destination. In addition to carrying on a family business that started in her childhood home, Staines has been a tireless advocate for reforming fishing-related laws and education in Belize. We recently spoke with the chef about her sustainable crab claw project, the best way to cook invasive lionfish and why she cares about buying and serving responsible seafood.

Miss Teen Belize
The girls are on la isla Bonita San Pedro! They were privileged to meet Mayor Daniel Guerrero . Thank you San Pedro Town Council for making this possible!

32nd BTIA Bi-Annual General Meeting
July 8, 2017

BTIA Meets With Airbnb Representatives
On May 11th, 2017, BTIA representatives held a meeting with two Airbnb officials, Mr. Shawn Sullivan and Mr. Carlos Munoz, who are responsible for Airbnb’s public policy division for Latin America and the Caribbean. BTB’s Business Development Manager, Sean Tang, also participated in the meeting. Airbnb is the number one online marketplace and hospitality service that allows people to lease or rent short-term lodging including vacation rentals, apartment rentals, homestays, hostel beds, or hotel rooms.

Defence Minister Hon John Saldivar calls for Stronger Relationships and More Meaningful Partnership in Regional Fight against Terrorism and Organized Crime
Belize’s Minister of Defence Hon John Saldivar has called for stronger relationships and a frank and more meaningful partnership among nations of the region in order to effectively counter terrorism and organized crime. Hon Saldivar made the remarks at the Ninth Caribbean Regional Intelligence Conference recently held in Belize. “The dynamic, ever-changing, elusive global context of the 21st century has forced nation states to constantly review and reinvent the way decisions are made to reflect and address the growing demands of new and emerging social, economic and geo-political challenges,” Hon Saldivar asserted. Elaborating on the new challenges and the opportunities they offer, Hon Saldivar stated, “By extension, these global changes have created opportunities to advance our partnerships and systems to address critical issues relating to security and defence which are unique to our times.

Our Full Moon Party is the most anticipated event in Caye Caulker. On Friday, June 9th, expectations will be fulfilled.

Subentiente lopez border from Belize to Mexico is still closed
Just a reminder to all visitors traveling to the Corozal Freezone or are heading to subentiente lopez border from Belize to Mexico is still closed. Only, motorcycles and pedestrians are allowed at this time to cross. Freezone motorcycles are back in services to allow the free flow of business. Since, two weeks ago the border was closed things had died down and not much movement is happening. It was closed down due to a drug activity that was happening here at the border. Things are back to normal. But, not for those who make money taking customers from Subentiente Lopez to the Freezone.

Presentations from YO Creek cultural groups
Here is an opportunity for you to experience a Cultural Exchange! Saturday: Presentations from our visitors and our very own YO Creek cultural groups. Sunday: Witness a demonstration of the Poktapok game commencing at 9:00am. Be sure to make an effort to attend!!!!!

NATIONAL CORN, COCONUT & BBQ FESTIVAL 2017!
This could be Corozal's main event of the year. There is no better time to come up to Corozal than for this three day event. Featuring Ms. Corn Fest Pageant, Bachata and Salsa Competions, MIss Top Model DIVA Finals, BBQ Competion, Bicycle decoration competion, 10 Gate prizes, Admission: General $10 Kids $5. July 14, 15, 16 at the Andres Campos Civic Center. Come support a great event. REMINDER - FINAL DATE TO PURCHASE BOOTHS IS THURSDAY, JUNE 15th, 2017. LAST CALL ON ALL CORN AND COCONUT SUPPLIERS IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY TO PLEASE CHECK IN WITH US TO PURCHASE YOUR BOOTH AND REGISTER FOR THE NATIONAL CORN, COCONUT & BBQ FESTIVAL COMPETITIONS at #9, 5th Avenue, Corozal Town where Transport Department used to be or call 662-2609 for more info.

Collage Art Exhibit
The SISE HoC has a new exhibit running through next month. It's art based upon collages. They have some pictures from the launch. "Launch of SISE House of Culture's New Collage Art Exhibition. The Exhibition will run though to June 30th."

Growing worms for soil
In the Vaca plateau farmers are being supported in the production of vermi-culture. The intent is to promote the reproduction and use of worms for soil richness.

Ordination of The Most Reverent Lawrence Nicasio
Blessings on the Ordination of The Most Reverent Lawrence Nicasio as the new Bishop of Belize! We look forward to working with you in serving our communities for years to come.

Noche intercultural and Maya Ball
Puksi'ik'al Maya in collaboration with Universidad Intercultural Maya de Quintana Roo Uimqroo Universidad presents a Noche intercultural and Maya Ball at Yo Creek, Orange Walk, Belize on Saturday 27th May 2017 and Sunday 28th May 2017.

Today is 8 Kib in the Maya Tzolk'in calendar
This day is associated with birds of death, of night and day, the vulture and the owl, who is the messenger of the gods of the underworld.

NEBL Finals
Game #2 of the NEBL between San Pedro Tiger Sharks and Belmopan Bandits ended with a final score of 81-73 in favor of Belmopan Bandits. Game #3 will be held in San Pedro Town for the NEBL Championship on Saturday, June 3rd.

Blood Drive to be held on Saturday
Belize Red Cross San Pedro Chapter (BRCSPC) will be hosting a blood drive on Saturday, May 27th at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, from 9AM to 3PM. The BRCSPC encourages all donors to think RED--Rest well by getting a good night’s sleep, Eat a good and high iron-based breakfast, and Drink plenty of healthy fluids before the blood donation. To find out more on how you can donate, what your blood type is, or are in need of blood, please email blooddrive.brcsp@gmail.com, or branchcoordinator.brcsp@gmail.com. You can also visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/belizeredcrosssanpedro

Poets Corner: Censorship!
By Abdulmajeed Nunez. They aim to silence the voices of hope Anyone who's vociferous and says nope To the raping and pillaging our the countries resource They’ve dragged Moses name through the courts They arrested Jihad for a roach Arrested Geovannie and Fitz on false report They labeled Audrey persona non grata They arrest Luis Wade pan pure propaganda Even I was called out by the education minista

Jazz Fest... special Dinner/Concert at San Ignacio Resort Hotel
Saturday, June 10th...limited seating so get your tickets early...Belize International Jazz Festival 2017!!!

Fisherfolk Month
Belize celebration of men and women in the fishing industry. Caribbean Fisherfolk Day is celebrated on June 29th across the region. A ceremony at Memorial Park on June 1st @10 am will launch the month of activities.

Mango Fest BAREFOOTBEACH
Saturday, June 3 at 8 PM - 3 AM in Hopkins. The will take place in Belize in June 3, 2017. So get ready for the after bash at Belize barefoot beach bar.

INICIAMOS INTERNATIONAL TATTOO EXPO BELIZE
Friday, May 26 at 11 AM

Specialized bicycle patrol training
The Embassy, through its INL office, strengthens the Belize Police Department's capabilities by providing specialized bicycle patrol training. This partnership program brings together U.S. state and local law enforcement agencies, such as the PBSO - Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, and Belizean law enforcement professionals to enhance Belize's capacity to counter international crime.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Beauty and the Beast, John Wick 2, Boss Baby, Kidnap

Channel 7

Grandmother Killed By Bees At Grandson’s School
The doors were closed at the Arms of Love Primary School in San Ignacio today after a deadly bee attack. Yesterday afternoon at 2:30, Cruz Raquel Chan went to pick up her grandson at the school- as she usually does. But instead of wrapping her arms around her little boy and carrying him home, she was wrapped in the deadly grip of a swarm of Killer Bees. Chan died after she was stung 43 times. It was a terrifying and chaotic scene at the school grounds as students, parents and teachers were outside when the bees invaded. Courtney Weatherburne has more details on this attack. Like all school grounds, the one at Arms of Love Primary School in San Ignacio is always active with kids as they play or gather for outdoor activities. And yesterday afternoon during the 2:30 break, it was no different. But terror was unleashed as a swarm of killer bees descended on the crowded school compound. The teachers and kids scrambled into classrooms and shut all the doors and windows. But 60 year old Cruz Raquel Chan couldn't get away. She had just arrived at school to pick up her 6 year old grandson when the bees viciously attacked her.

Popular DJ Murdered, For What?
Right now, in the local fraternity of DJ's is mourning the loss of one of their own. He's Andrew Bennett, better known by his stage name, "Hard Rock", and he was at his home on Central American Boulevard last night. That's basically the headquarters for his music business, and where youths congregate to practice the art of disc jockeying. So, it should have been a safe place, but that's where Hard Rock's killer came to take his life. His entire neighborhood now grieves, and today, our news team went looking for answers. Daniel Ortiz reports: Evan "Mose" Hyde - Program Manager, Krem Radio: "Stunned. I don't know if there is any other word that comes to mind, but completely stunned and besides stunned, it's like, it's just, it's like when you get a punch in your gut, because I woke up in the middle of the night and saw the bunch of messages and I was like, I couldn't really put my head around its Hard Rock got shot down. I mean Hard Rock is not a gangster."

Hard Rock Overthrew “The President"
We also got a chance to catch up with 2 of his peers, the legendary DJ, Presi-D and the up-and-coming DJ Spice. Legend has it that some years ago, Hard Rock and Presi-D had a famous battle, where Hard Rock toppled his mentor from title of best DJ in Belize. That was a great upset because Hard Rock learned everything he knew about being a DJ from watching Presi-D work. So this evening, Presi-D discussed Rock's growth and influence in his community, and the significance of his loss. Presi-D - Hard Rock's Mentor: "When he used to come after school, he used to always want DJ with us. So I would tell him to finish school first, but when he finished school, the man used to hang out with us and DJ with us and we would show him because we don't hold down any youth. All the youths, we make sure they make it. The little youth was always inspired by us to DJ so, in respect the man used to come after primary school and come DJ with us and we told him finish school and then come DJ with us."

DJ Spice Remembers the Rock As A Mentor, A Pillar
So, as you heard in our interview, Presi-D thinks that it is up to the deejay's from the Hard Rock crew to carry on his legacy. One such student is Paul Gamboa, who's known on Krem Radio as "DJ Spice". Today, while he was in the middle of his evening segment on the Radio, he gave us an interview reacting to the gun murder of his mentor. Here's what he told us: Paul Gamboa "DJ Spice" - Mentored by Hard Rock: "It's rough and he brought me to where I am right now. He taught me everything about music, when I was a stray being bad boy and wanting to be a street boy, that man brought me into this world what I already had in me and he just brought it out. I watched him physically do that to enough youth. He's like a father to me, he's more than a father. Growing up I saw his face every single day of my life and it's hard to go through without seeing his face."

Senior Immigration Officer Accused Of Drunk Driving
An Immigration Officer assigned to the Big Creek Port has been charged for driving under the influence. Independence Police arrested 49 year old Antonio Teck on Friday May 19th. when they saw him swerving on the Cowpen road during daylight hours. He was driving a private vehicle and appeared to be drunk, so they arrested him. He was charged for driving with alcohol levels above the prescribed limit. He appeared in Independence Magistrate's Court today where he pleaded not guilty. Director Of Immigration Diana Locke did not reply to our question about whether disciplinary action would be taken.

No Jail for TV Thief Justin
Last November, Justin Longsworth's boss accused him of stealing eleven 49 inch flat screen TVs. Longsworth's boss, customs broker Jason Valdez, told police that on October 31st Longsworth cleared the TVs for the Radisson - but they never made it to the hotel. Security footage and signatures proved that Longsworth did indeed receive the shipment. When police questioned the driver Francisco Gutierrez, he admitted that Longsworth gave him one of the TVs in exchange for him keeping his mouth shut.

Vera Versus Modiri, The Verdict Coming
Viewers may remember Orlando Vera. He's the police department's Firearms Examiner who was charged last year August with the offence known as "abetment of the crime of perverting the course of justice." What that means is that basically he allegedly offered to take money - to make a criminal charge disappear in court. And it's no minor case in which he allegedly did this: it's the case of Michael Modiri, the Franks Eddy neighbour of the American Tour Operator Bradley Paumen. Paumen and 3 others have been charged with perverting the course of justice, for allegedly trying to plant a gun on Modiri, so that he could be sent to jail. Modiri beat that charge, but he said that between June and 1 and July 31, Vera offered to tamper with evidences so against him so that he could be acquitted.

Solar Grid Great For La Gracia
La Gracia Village in the Cayo District is remote, so much so that you would say, it's off the grid. But, in this case, that would be a literal meaning because La Gracia is also off the electrical grid. And that's why the village - which is due east of Valley of Peace was designated as a pilot site for what's called a "Photo Voltaic Smart Grid". It's basically a solar power system but this one gets the Smart designation because of its ability to harness, store and distribute power to an entire community, making sure that they constantly get 120 volts in their homes - just like regular folks who are supplied by BEL. The three quarter million dollar system was opened yesterday afternoon with all parties noting the change in the quality of life and education it will bring to the village:

Nazarenes Call Leaders “Unrighteous”
Pastor and television personality Louis Wade continues to get support in his fight with the Belize Police Department - and the political directorate. Earlier this week, it was the National Evangelical Association of Belize that came out supporting him and blasting the police. And today it is his denomination, The Church of the Nazarene. They issued a statement this evening saying, quote, "Pastor Louis Wade Jr. is one of our outstanding pastors who maintains a high level of integrity and commitment...To question his character in the way it is being done and to publish it nationwide is to discredit the Church of the Nazarene." The statement then takes a sharp political turn, saying, quote, "We fully support Pastor Wade in his endeavour to stand against unrighteousness, even if it is against leaders that make up our government. We are fully committed to praying for them, but will not condone any questionable act that will undermine our people as a nation." end quote.

Mental Health Experts Say No Love In The Triangle That Caused Lascelle Martinez’s Death
And the Mental Health Association has also issued a statement. This one is about the murder of Lascelle Martinez in Punta Gorda, and all that talk about the love triangle that led to his death. The Mental Health Association says that "love triangle" term, quote, "trivializes an incident of domestic partner abuse that resulted in the death of one person, serious injury to another and probably ruin to the life of the accused." The statement adds, quote, "until we recognise that (these incidents) are fuelled not by love but by control and self loathing, we will not be able to reduce their impact on our families and societies."

BDF and Coast Guard Females Jostling To See Who Will Be Wonder Woman
The women of the Belize Coast Guard and Belize Defense Force are going head to head in the second annual Wonder Woman Challenge. The competition pits four teams of female officers against each other in several competitions designed to test their teamwork, endurance and mental fortitude. The event kicked off this morning with a six-mile relay race followed by a run-swim-run competition. The event's coordinator, Lt. Junior Grade Alma Pinelo, told us about the grueling challenge and the sense of sportsmanship and camaraderie it's meant the foster... Lt. Junior Grade Alma Pinelo - Event Organizer: "So what we've been doing this morning we started off with a six man relay. It's a two main event so today we'll be doing, this afternoon we'll be doing a run-swim-run competition, which is a run for one miles right here around the compound, there is a one mile ocean swim right there in the sea and then finishing off with a one mile run. Tomorrow we'll have two different events. Again at 8 and one being an obstacle course in the afternoon, and then a four lap run and each lap has different burdens that each team has to carry. The purpose of it was to do a security forces competition but for it to be all females.

Norman No More At KHMH
He's been the Director of Finance at the KHMH for almost three years, but quite suddenly, Norman Augustine is no longer in that job. The CEO today confirmed that the board decided to pay him off and send him home earlier this week. He would not discuss the grounds for this decision. Augustine was a contract officer first hired in November 2014.

How To Avoid Killer Bee Swarms
Earlier in the news, we had the terrible story of the grandmother who was killed by a swarm of Africanized bees. In 2014, Courtney Weatherburne asked bee experts about how you can avoid a bee swarm or survive an attack. Here's that story from our archive:.. Courtney Weatherburne reporting: At the first sight of a bee flying near, fear overcomes and the initial reaction is to either run or swat the bee away. Bees are seen as dangerous creatures even more so as a swarm. the Africanize bees has a different behavior; you van never know what they will do, they are unpredictable. But what causes the unpredictability in the behavior of the Africanized honey bees? And how did they even get to Belize?

Mestizo Spring Meets Creole Autumn In New Poetry Collection
We all know Myrna Manzanares and her passion for the Creole culture. But, now, she's ventured into something different by teaming up with a teenaged girl to compile a book of poems. It's called "The Healing Circle" and after 2 years of distillation, it was launched today at the St. Catherine's Auditorium. Now what could a grown woman like Manzanares have in common with a 17 year old girl? Well...More than you think ... Courtney Weatherburne has the story: Since there are two authors - there are also two launches. Today's event was for Azizi, and, tomorrow, Manzanares will have her own launch at the Leo Bradley Library at 10:00. The Governor General is slated to attend.

A Festival Celebration
The National Festival of the Arts is an annual treat in the month of May - and the 2017 edition was launched today at the BTL PARK. And of course, the Institute of Culture and Arts brought out their stars with a dose of concentrated cuteness. But it played in a park - not the Bliss Center. The organizer told us why: You can see live Festival of the Areas coverage here on Channel 7 on Saturday morning at 10:00 made possible by NICH, CBC Cable and this channel. The National Festival of Arts runs from the 25th May to 3rd June and is the culmination of Festivals held in each district from February to May.

Channel 5

DJ “Hard Rock” Murdered on the Boulevard
There was a senseless murder in the city on Wednesday night, breaking a lull of three weeks when Ludwin Lalin was executed not far from his house in the Jane [...]

Senate’s Mark Lizarraga: No Right to Disruption in National Assembly
There is mounting public outcry at the scandalous behavior of high profile U.D.P. operatives during recent senate hearings that are unraveling blatant corruption at the Immigration Department. Business Senator Mark [...]

Lizarraga Maintains He Will Not Be Intimidated
Wednesday’s meeting was abruptly cancelled at the request of the Opposition, which says there were threats of violence. All things considered, the P.U.P. also says it did not want to [...]

Why is Government Silent on Incident?
The political fallout in the wake of that very regrettable incident sheds light on the utter lack of respect for the so-called Honorable House. It also emphasizes a lack of [...]

Nazarenes Call Out Government for Treatment of Louis Wade
The home church of Pastor Louis Wade Junior has come to his defense, calling the charges of assault and use of insulting words “totally unacceptable.” The Church of the Nazarene [...]

Africanized Bees Kill Cayo Grandmother
A sixty-year-old woman died after she was stung by killer bees in San Ignacio on Wednesday. Cruz Chan was on her way over to a primary school in the Kontiki [...]

DuPlooy’s Robbed in Cayo
Earlier this evening, DuPlooy’s Lodge on the Benque Viejo Road was apparently robbed. Benque Police have reported to the scene as of news time, but according to Officer in Command [...]

Ruling Set in Case of Alleged Perversion of Justice by Firearm Examiner
Remember the Belize City Police Department Ballistic Examiner, Orlando Vera? In January 2016, he was charged with the offense of abetment to pervert the course of justice. Allegations are that Vera [...]

2 Charged in Aggravated Burglary Case
A well-known George Street figure and his girlfriend will be spending their second night on remand at the Belize Central Prison for allegedly committing an aggravated burglary at the home of [...]

“The Maul” for Contrabandistas, Warns Godwin
Earlier this month, the Government of Belize agreed with its Mexican counterpart to close the old border crossing at Subteniente Lopez entering Chetumal. A new, larger crossing is open at [...]

Sugar is Sweet!
The sugar crop season in the northern districts is close to wrapping up and there has been a distinct lack of news from the area, which for this important industry [...]

Shrimpers Working to Get Back Certification
The prestigious Aquaculture Stewardship Council suspended certification of four Belizean shrimp farms in April. But the local Shrimp Farm Association claims that the farms – Paradise Shrimp Farm, Tex Mar [...]

Potatoes: From Overabundance to Scarcity?
A few months ago, farmers in the Cayo and Orange Walk Districts had thousands of pounds of potatoes rotting in the fields. It was produce they were unable to sell [...]

No Controls Over Local Banana Prices
Was Minister Hulse aware that prices for local bananas have gone up? Bananas are said to be sold at six for a dollar as opposed to eight. The answer is [...]

Clearing the Way for More Exports
The Ministry of Agriculture has adopted the mantra of “Let’s Get Growing.” They are trying to revive a flagging export economy that has long been concentrated on raw material like [...]

National Festival of the Arts: Belize’s Best Take the Stage
The Children’s Festival of the Arts takes center stage this weekend, as it does each year at this time at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts. But for the [...]

Who is Belize Law Enforcement’s “Wonder Woman?”
As children perform in dance, music and drama, female officers are taking part in the Belize Coast Guard’s second annual Wonder Woman Challenge, taking place at its headquarters on the [...]

Precision Dancers Take Bliss Stage
A dance show, the second of its kind by a young company, will be on display at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts. Precision and Style Dance Company is [...]

Poets Azizi Hoy, Myrna Manzanares Team Up for “The Healing Circle”
An anthology of intergenerational poems by two Belizean writers has been condensed into a book that was launched today at the Saint Catherine Academy Multipurpose Center. The Healing Circle, by [...]

The Second Annual C-Ray Cycling Club High School Series
The second annual C-Ray Cycling Club High School series held its finals today. One hundred and thirty students from ten high schools in the Belize District gathered at the Marion [...]

Healthy Living: Could You Be Like EMT Javier Canul?
For the first time, Belize is commemorating World E.M.S. Day. Emergency Medical Services is an integral part of health care continuum. We may never think of how important it is [...]

LOVE FM

Bureau of Standards Investigate Concerns on Flour Repackaging
Reports have been circulating of some grocers repackaging flour under a different brand in Dangriga. It is a situation that is not unheard of as it has been reported in several other instances. It is, however, misleading to the consumers and is a matter that requires some attention. With that in mind, we contacted Jose […]

KHMH Finance Director Terminated
Love News has just confirmed a few minutes ago that the Financial Controller of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, Norman Augustine was terminated earlier this week. Our source indicates that it was a case of about thirty five thousand dollars missing from the hospital but according to the KHMH CEO, Dr Adrian Coye, there are […]

Opal Enriquez Issues Statement on Rath’s Allegations
Weeks after Miss Belize Rebecca Rath represented the country in the 2017 Miss Universe Pageant, her father Tony Rath published a five part blog entitled, “The Rocky Road to Miss Universe”. In it, the Raths went after the National Director of the Queen of the Jewel Organization, Opal Enriquez. They accused her bullying, sabotage and stealing. Since […]

Opal Is Calling It Quits
So now that Opal Enriquez has defended her reputation against the allegations made by the Rath Family, what happens now? Well Enriquez is calling it quits. In a second statement, Enriquez talks about resigning and focusing on personal goals. She writes quote, “After careful consideration and the resolve that the dream we envisioned for Belize […]

Woman Attacked and Killed By Africanized Bees in San Ignacio
A sixty year old woman was killed by Africanized bees yesterday evening in the Cayo District. Cruz Raquel Chan had left her home in the Kontiki Area of San Ignacio Town en-route to Arms of Love Primary School to look for her three grandchildren who attend the school. While waiting, Chan and other persons were attacked […]

Defence Minister Wants Stronger Ties to Fight Terrorism and Organized Crime
The Ninth Caribbean Regional Intelligence Conference was recently held in Belize and during his address, Minister of Defence, John Saldivar spoke about organized crime and terrorism. Minister Saldivar called for stronger relationships and a frank and more meaningful partnership among nations of the region in order to effectively counter terrorism and organized crime. He said […]

Interventions Go Beyond Meetings, Says Chester Williams
Yesterday we told you of the regional report that was released earlier this week from the InterAmerican Development Bank that endorses interventions as part of an anti-crime strategy. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams says he was happy to read the findings in the report which were from a survey conducted in four Caribbean nations. […]

Big Red Swept Off to Harvest Caye to Be Held Captive
One of the most poached animals in the Chiquibul is the beautiful scarlet macaw. About a year ago one of the birds was rescued by the Belize Bird Rescue and given the name of Big Red. Since then the bird had been rehabilitated for release but on Tuesday evening Big Red was reportedly handed over […]

La Gracia Village Powered with Solar Grid
La Gracia Village in the Cayo District is now completely powered as the Smart Solar off-grid rural electrification project was inaugurated yesterday. The pilot project which saw the international collaboration of the UK and Swiss Governments cost about seven hundred thousand dollars. Present for the inaugural ceremony were British High Commissioner to Belize, His Excellency […]

Belize Sees 28,857 Births From 2012 – 2015
The World Health Organization has reported that each year there are about fifteen million babies that are born premature; meaning that they are born before the 37th week of gestation. It is a situation that health officials are trying to address via public awareness to expecting mothers. Research shows that the key contributing factors for […]

Belize Reports to CARICOM on Affairs with Guatemala
It is very rare that updates on the status of discussions between Belize and Guatemala reach the media via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Belize Press Office. On occasion we do get to meet with the Foreign Minister, Wilfred Elrington but even so it is not enough to be kept abreast of where […]

Lemoth Shot Inside Boulevard’s Barber Shop
23-year-old, Hammon Lemoth is in an induced coma after being shot to the head last night. Lemoth was working inside a barber shop on Central American Boulevard when the shot that changed his life was fired. Clara Salman is Lemoth’s mother. She heard the gunshot ring out last night just after nine o’clock. CLARA SALMAN […]

Belize Is Ahead On Interventions with Gangs
The outcome of a study by the Inter-American Development Bank has strongly recommended the use of interventions as part of anti-crime efforts being undertaken by various Caribbean countries. The intervention method in fighting crime has been the hallmark of ACP Chester Williams’ career since he returned from his legal studies. Williams has been criticized on […]

Scouts Association Bestows Governor General with Lifetime Achievement Award
The Scout Association of Belize presented the Governor General of Belize, His Excellency Sir Colville Young with the Leopold Balderamos Lifetime Achievement Award. He was presented with the award on Monday in a short ceremony. President of the Association, Jersha Lennan told us about the presentation. JERSHA LENNAN “This award is given to somebody of […]

DPM Faber Leads Delegation to Cuba
Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber is currently leading an official high level delegation in Cuba. There the DPM will hold discussions to deepen the scope of cooperation between the two nations. In addition, the DPM will be meeting with the Ministers of Education and Culture and other government officials to strengthen mutual development in culture, […]

PUP Wants Yellowman Gone as Macebearer
Media houses in Belize including this station have signed on to a letter condemning the actions of Mace Bearer Brian “Yellowman” Audinett. Audinett verbally threatened 7News Cameraman Dennis Ellis telling him he would throw him over the railing if he did not stop recording. The threat was made in the presence of several other cameramen […]

The Buck Stops with Senate Chairman Salazar
The police officers who were present at the National Assembly last Wednesday when the Senate Inquiry was disrupted by supporters of the United Democratic Party including the Mace bearer were criticized for not detaining or removing the noise makers when the incident occurred. To the regular citizen it may seem clear cut for the officers. […]

PlusTV

“Hard Rock” gunned down in Belize City
Last night, another man was shot and killed in Belize City. Reports are that shots rang out on Central American Boulevard and when it subsided , 42-year-old Andrew Ian Bennett, A.K.A. “Hard Rock” was dead. According to police reports, at approximately 7:43 p.m. last night, Bennett was at the bus sto...

Church of the Nazarene calls charges against Pastor Wade “unacceptable”
The Church of the Nazarene issued a press release this evening saying that it “….finds the charges made against Pastor Louis Wade Jr. totally unacceptable.” Those charges, as you may be aware, were made by the son of Minister of Works Rene Montero after Wade was conducting investigations into what ...

Pastor Scott Stirm spoke to witness in Pastor Wade’s case
As we have reported before, Pastor Wade went to follow a story in San Ignacio almost 6 months ago where he alleges that he was almost run over by a red vehicle while videoing a newly built stadium. Wade showed the footage of that assault on his Rise and Shine program the following day where viewers ...

Woman dies after being attacked by bees
A woman was attacked and killed by Killer bees. Yesterday, 60-year-old Cruz Raquel Chan of San Ignacio Town was on her way to pick up her son from Arms of Love Primary School in the Kontiki area of San Ignacio when she was attacked by a swarm of bees. As a result, Chan succumbed to her injuries and ...

Police Ballistic Examiner awaiting verdict in abetment to pervert justice case
In January 2016, Orlando Vera, Police Ballistic Examiner, was charged with the offense of abetment to pervert the course of justice. Allegations are that Vera offered to assist Belmopan Businessman, Michael Moderi, who had a gun case pending before the court, by tampering with evidence in order to h...

Couple on remand after allegedly attacking ex boyfriend
A well known George Street figure and his girlfriend will be spending their second night on remand at the Belize Central Prison after they were denied bail following charges of aggravated burglary . 26 year old Nicoli Rhysand 28 year old Ester Garcia appeared before Senior Magistrate, Sharon Fra...

$3,000 fine for stealing 11 flat screen televisions
After one week on remand at the Belize Central Prison, 29 year old Belize City resident, Justin Longsworth was slapped on the wrist with a fine of $3,000 for stealing 11 flat screen televisions. Longsworth was found guilty of stealing the 49 inch flat screen television sets which were to be delivere...

The Guardian

4 Million dollar football field for San Pedro
Residents of San Pedro proudly gathered at the San Pedro Ambergris stadium along with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Hon. Patrick Faber; Area Representative, Hon. Manuel Heredia and the Mayor of San Pedro, His worship Daniel Guerrero to officially declare the state of the art facility opened. Speaking at the event, Mayor Guerrero noted that 33 years ago residents of the island would not have imagined that the municipality would have developed by leaps and bounds as it is now. He said that the new facility is a testament of progress being ushered by the United Democratic Party Government. “The biggest asset of the island is the people,” he said, and added that it is through the effort of and hard work of those that came before that the new facility is made possible. He also took time to thank the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow for the investment in the island. And the investment is a significant one, according to Belize Infrastructure Limited’s Christy Mastry, a total of 4.4 million dollars was invested in the 4 and a half acre space of land. She said that half of this was actually mangrove swamp and it took some doing for the facility to be constructed. Mastry noted that for the synthetic field to have been installed, proper drainage was necessary. She said that at the beginning the highest point on the pitch was only 10 inches above the lagoon water level. That had to be raised to between 32 and 36 inches in order for the turf to be installed.

Woman stung to death by Africanized bees
A woman from the Cayo District has been stung to death by Africanized bees. A woman at the Arms of Love Primary School in the Kontiki Area, located at the periphery of San Ignacio, died on Wednesday evening as a result of being stung numerous times by the aggressive bees. At about 2:45 pm, San Ignacio Police received reports of a swarm of Africanized bees attacking a group of persons at the Arms of Love Primary School. Unfortunately one of the victims of that attack was a 60 year old domestic, Cruz Chan. After the attack by bees, she was immediately taken to the San Ignacio Community Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Louis Wade charged following his tall tales
Louis Wade, the talk show host from Belmopan who has maintained consistent Pro-PUP views, is facing criminal charges in the Magistrate’s Court in San Ignacio. He will have to answer to an allegation that he disrespected and assaulted a Belizean citizen during the course of what he says was his investigation of a news story. The incident allegedly happened on November 27, 2016 at the compound of the Santa Elena Sports Complex, which was being constructed. Wade claims that someone called him for the next “UDP scandal”. That’s when he went to the Complex, and he allegedly got into an altercation with Robert Montero. The complainant says that Wade assaulted him and used insulting words. Wade on the flip side, is claiming that Robert Montero, the son of the Minister of Works, Rene Montero, arrived at the Complex after him. Wade claims that Montero saw him taking pictures and videos of the working men and equipment, and according to Wade, Montero tried to run him over with the red pick-up he was driving.

There is need for us to explain that although Alberto August has been joined by persons who are members and supporters of the UDP, the protest being done and led by Alberto August is being done by him as a PRIVATE CITIZEN and not in his capacity as the Chairman of the UDP. That is important because Eamon Courtenay and the PUP are trying to push that protest as being a UDP action, that had been sanctioned by the leadership of the UDP. August as a private citizen enjoys the same privilege that Mr Courtenay enjoys. There are times when Courtenay acts in his capacity as Eamon the Senator, who was appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition.

Deputy Prime Minister visits Cuba
Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Patrick Faber is on a working visit to Cuba. Hon. Faber accompanied by Minister of Tourism, Hon. Manuel Heredia; Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Hon. Angel Campos; and other representatives in the Ministries of Investment and Foreign Trade arrived in Cuba on Monday May 22. During the visit the delegation will have high level discussions with Cuban counterparts in the various ministries represented. One of the stops by the Deputy was a visit to the Cuban Medical School where students from 92 countries are currently enrolled including 60 Belizeans. The school was first established in 1998 as a facility to train healthcare personnel from developing countries. The idea was born after the Cuban government sent a medical brigade to Belize and other countries in 1998 following natural disasters.

PUP begs for postponement of Senate meeting
The Guardian Newspaper has confirmed that the People’s United Party through its leader asked the chairman of the Special Senate Select Committee to postpone the meeting which was scheduled for May 24. They claim that had some intelligence that there was going to be some security risk at the meeting. There is absolutely no evidence to the PUP’s claim but it seems that the Senate Select Committee’s work has now ran its course and the PUP, in a feeble attempt are trying to keep the Senate engaged as long as possible hopefully into the next municipal elections with the hope that it would sway voters against the UDP. What the PUP does not understand is that there is not a single person who was called or will be called that will be running for the UDP in that election.

Hon. Macario Coy follows up on Aguacate R.C. donation
To celebrate the Cuba-Belize diplomatic relationship and the 26-year Cuban medical cooperation in Belize, the Embassy of Cuba held a medical symposium and scientific day on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at the Inspiration Center in Belize City. Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis-Barrow, wife of the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, thanked Cuba for its dedication in capacity building and interchanging ideas in Belize specifically as it pertains to developing the health care system in Belize.

Cuban medical mission 26 years in Belize
To celebrate the Cuba-Belize diplomatic relationship and the 26-year Cuban medical cooperation in Belize, the Embassy of Cuba held a medical symposium and scientific day on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at the Inspiration Center in Belize City. Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis-Barrow, wife of the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, thanked Cuba for its dedication in capacity building and interchanging ideas in Belize specifically as it pertains to developing the health care system in Belize.

Inauguration of La Gracia Smart Solar Grid Energy Project
Hon. Frank Mena, Minister of Public Service, Energy and Public Utilities, along with Dario Mendez, Chairman of La Gracia Village, Cayo, inaugurated a Smart Solar off-grid rural electrification project in the village, the first of its kind in the country. This took place on Wednesday, May 23, 2017 in an effort to provide access to electricity for all Belizeans. Rural electrification using solar powered off-grid systems has been identified as a key component in the strategic plan. This state-of-the-art system will provide electricity to more than 45 households. One benefit of the system is that it has the capacity to increase supply to meet future demand. This system will be monitored and operated remotely for efficiency and effectiveness.

Old Hospital building in San Ignacio being refurbished
Work is ongoing to refurbish the old San Ignacio Hospital by the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH). Efforts are being conducted to preserve it as a historical landmark in San Ignacio Town. George Thompson, Associate Director for Park Management within the Institute of Archaeology says that “we are working very hard to ensure that the entire design remains the same just as people have been accustomed to seeing, we are ensuring that we maintain the architecture of the building.” NICH is now working along with the San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town Council to follow a time line in re-building the old hospital as the Town Hall is also being built nearby. Actual work on the old hospital building began about two months ago and may be completed by August of this year.

Neighborhood watch meeting held in Las Flores
A highly interactive meeting between community leaders and members of the Las Flores and Hillview community was held on Tuesday night at the community center in Las Flores, near Belmopan. Present at this meeting was the Hon. John Saldivar, Representative for the Area; Mayor of Belmopan Khalid Belisle and members of the Belmopan City Council. The meeting in Las Flores on Tuesday night was well attended and is the first in a series of neighborhood watch meetings that have been organized by the Belmopan City Council. “Keeping the promise!!! Staying in touch,” reminds the Hon. John Saldivar, who is representative of the Belmopan Area and also Minister of Defense.

Police nationwide tour launched
On Thursday 18th May, Honorable Elodio Aragon Jr. launched his Countrywide Police Formations Tour. This was seen as a necessary exercise by Honorable Aragon in order to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the department. In order to make informed decisions at the ministry level, Aragon has decided to take a comprehensive tour of all the police formations and facilities and to meet personally with every member of the Police Department. The first leg of the tour took Aragon to the Orange Walk District formation. It is only fitting that being from Orange Walk Town himself, he visits this formation first. In the morning of 18th May, a Guard of honor was mounted by members of the Orange Walk Police Station and they were inspected by Honorable Aragon.

Davone Gillett remanded for gun incident in Pink’s Alley
Davone Gillett, a 20-year-old resident of Pink’s Alley, has been charged with aggravated assault and has been remanded to the Belize Central Prison until July 18, 2017. A woman alleges that she was assaulted by a man holding a gun at her through Majestic Alley. In a police report made on May 17, Shirley Mejia, a 41-year-old Pink’s Alley resident, claimed that on Tuesday, May 16, she and her daughter-in-law saw a young man come from the direction of Munoz Alley and asked Gillett what was happening. She later saw another man hand over a firearm to Gillett. Mejia claimed that Gillett held and cranked the firearm and pointed it toward her direction.

Placencia police received information on Friday May 19, 2017 of a fatal road traffic accident between miles 20 and 21. There they observed a grey four-door Toyota 4 Runner on the side of the road. Under the Toyota was a red and black Honda Shadow motorcycle. Near the motorcycle was 45-year-old Shams Moose, an Indian national of Maya Beach with head and body injuries apparently dead.

Arson in Belize City and Orange Walk
Orange Walk police received information on May 20, 2017 of a house fire at Chips Alley, Louisiana Area, Orange Walk Town. There they saw an 18’ by 20’ plywood house with zinc roofing engulfed in flames. The flames were eventually put out but not before all the contents were destroyed. Investigations reveal that Roy Mangar had a misunderstanding with his father Lincoln Pratt where Mangar threatened to burn down the house. Pratt received a phone call at his workplace that his son was dismantling his house. He made his way to the house where he saw Mangar setting the house on fire. Mangar has since been detained and is pending charges of arson.

Drugs and gun found in the city
Police conducted a series of searches in Belize City that led to the discovery of cannabis and a firearm. On May 19, 2017, Eastern Division South Strike Team personnel conducted a house search at No. 46 West Collet Canal in the Conch Shell Bay area, Belize City. That search resulted in the discovery of a black plastic bag containing cannabis. The drug was weighed and amounted to 383 grams. As a result, Wilton Anderson, a 38-year-old fisherman, was arrested and charged for drug trafficking.

Duo accused of attempted murder out on bail
Elward McKay and his alleged accomplice Alexander Bainton are out on bail after their attempted murder case was committed to Supreme court on Friday, May 19, 2017. The duo will have to stand trial for several charges including robbery. They were represented in court by attorney Steven Perera where they appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. They were charged jointly with four criminal offenses, attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm, dangerous harm, and robbery.

Kidnappers granted bail
Two of four men that were linked in an armed robbery and the kidnapping of a Corozal resident are out on Supreme Court bail. The men, Ryan Espinosa and Jeffrey Gongora, have been granted bail in the sum of $10,000 each after being brought before Justice Antoinette Moore in the Belize City Supreme Court. Eder Hall was robbed at gun point and later kidnapped. The incident occurred in Ranchito Village and four men were charged in connection to the crime. They are Jeffery Gongora, Eder Lopez, and brothers Ryan and Jason Espinosa.

Micah Goodin a no show in court
Back in November 2016, the People’s United Party held an election for a new Belize Youth Movement president. Karim Adle Sr., father of one of the candidates that ran in the election, was accused of physically assaulting Micah Goodin, a PUP youth operative. Goodin was an active supporter of Ivan Valencia, the opponent of Adle. Adle Sr., 55-years-old, was charged with common assault after Goodin alleged that Adle Sr. walked up to him, pushed him in the chest, choked him with both hands, and pinned him against the wall. The incident occurred on Saturday, November 5 and on Tuesday, Novmber 8, Adle Sr., was arraigned.

Series of robberies and burgularies in the country
On May 19, 2017, 20-year-old Lawrence Young Jr. of Belize City reported that he was riding on Lawrence Avenue when a male person rode up beside him on a bicycle pulled out a firearm and robbed him of his gold chain valued at $600. On the same date, police visited a Dunn Street, Belize City residence where they learnt that Michael Acosta of the same address was transported to the KHMH. Investigations reveal that Acosta was at home with his family when two male persons came to purchase ice cream. When he was serving the ice cream, one of the persons pointed a firearm at him and proceeded to kick him in the nose and mouth. His common-law wife was robbed by the other person who made off with $16,163 worth of jewelry.

Ryan Alvarez sentenced to prison for robbery of an Immigration officer and a businessman
One of three men accused of being a part of a robbery was sentenced to two 5 year sentences in the Belize Central Prison. He is Ryan Alvarez who was accused, along with Russell Bernardez and Darrington Louriano (deceased), of the 2012 robbery in the city where Lindsey Wade, an Immigration Officer, and Dorian Usher, a businessman, were held at gunpoint. The allegation made against the men was that on June 1, 2012, they robbed Usher and Wade. Usher was robbed of a $600 gold bracelet, $2,000 gold chain and medal, and two rings valued at $1,000 and $900. Wade was robbed of his $680 HTC cellular phone, $395 Samsung phone, $125 silver and gold chain, $2,800 white and gold chain, $120 Fossil wallet, BZ$300, and US$300.

Hummingbird Elementary girls and Holy Redeemer boys capture National Primary Schools Volleyball titles
elize Elementary School Auditorium and the Stars’ Volleyball Gym. In the girls’ championship game played, Hummingbird Elementary School representing the Belize District won handily over the Toledo Christian Academy representing the Toledo District by the score of 25-8 and 25-8 to capture the national title. Meanwhile, in the boys’ championship game, Holy Redeemer boys’ representing the Belize District defeated Howard Smith Nazarene representing the Cayo District in three sets by the score of 25-23, 23-25 and 15-9.

San Pedro Tiger Sharks a win away from reclaiming Pepsi National Elite Basketball League title
The Pepsi National Elite Basketball League 2017 competition entered its championship round on Saturday 20th May, with the first game in the best of three series at the San Pedro High School Auditorium in San Pedro Town between the San Pedro Tiger Sharks and the Belmopan Bandits. In the first game of the championship series, the top team in the league, the San Pedro Tiger Sharks, won over the number three seed the Belmopan Bandits by the score of 69-60. A win for the San Pedro Tiger Sharks on Thursday 25th May will give the team its third title in four years. However, if the Belmopan Bandits find the will to win and wins on Thursday 25th May, then a game three will become necessary. If a game three becomes necessary, it will be played on Saturday 3rd June, 2017, at 9:00 pm at the San Pedro High School Auditorium.

Canoeists to participate in Puerto Rico Olympic Cup
The Belize Canoe Association will participate in the Puerto Rico Olympic Cup scheduled for May 30-June 5, 2017, in Salinas, Puerto Rico. The Belizean team will consist of 6 athletes, which includes Amado Cruz, Bayron Cruz, Jesus Linares, James Alford, Ruth Cruz and Milenie Cabb. The athletes will compete in the sprint kayak races in the K1, K2 and K4 categories.

Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy maintains lead in the Cayo District Raymond Garbutt Softball competition
The Cayo Softball Association 2017 Raymond Garbutt Senior Female competition continued on Sunday 21st May, at the Raymond Garbutt softball pitch in Roaring Creek Village, with three games on the schedule. In the first game played, Belmopan Bandits defeated the Unitedville Rebels United by the score of 11-4. The winning pitcher was Ashley Lucas and the losing pitcher was Francine Salazar.

Belize City primary schools basketball competition continues
The Belize City Primary Schools Basketball competition continued on Tuesday 23rd June, 2017, at the Gateway Youth Centre with four games on the schedule. In the first of two games played in the girls’ competition, All Saints Anglican School won over St. Luke Methodist School by the score of 8-2. The top scorer for All Saints Anglican School was Imanie Nunez with 4 points while the top scorer for St. Luke Methodist School was Ashley Guevara with 2 points. In the second game played, St. Joseph School defeated Muslim Community School by the score of 16-4. The top scorer for St. Joseph School was Afeni Lamb with 10 points while the top scorers for Muslim Community School were Zakiyyah Sacasa and Dynah Bethran with 2 points each.

Words of Life
In the Gospel of Matthew chapter 19, verse 29, Jesus said, “Everyone that has forsaken houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” When I read this saying of Jesus, I was reminded of what I had to leave behind to come to Belize. My daughter Gail is in Bermuda, bringing up my granddaughter Sky by herself, and I sometimes wish I was there to assist her!

Of Sovereign’s day and Guatemala
Publisher, Evan X Hyde wrote: “You have to wonder about Belize, you know. This weekend we will be celebrating yet another of these holidays for which none of us natives really understands the explanation or rationale.” ‘None of us natives really understands’ is a false generalization! On May 24, 2013 Janine Leslie posted: Commonwealth or Sovereign’s Day, as it is known to us today, is the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations an inter-governmental organization of 54 independent or sovereign states. The organization promotes free association, the common values of democracy, human rights, good governance, the rule of law, free trade and even world peace. Belize joined the Commonwealth of Nations in the year of its independence, 1981. Belize is known as a constitutional monarch within the Commonwealth. This means that the Queen is no longer involved in the country’s daily governance but still continues to play a significant role in its ceremonial and symbolic events.

Gender Inequality
Many countries continuously aim in granting individuals equality through the equal distribution of rights, freedom, and opportunities. However, for many countries, achieving equality has also become a great struggle due to the magnitude of inequality that differs across societies. Gender inequality has become a universal dilemma due to the existence of gender schemas and legal gender differences. This issue of gender inequality is also seen in a small country like Belize, as the women may not be fully recognized or given the same opportunities as men. Though many people may be oblivious to the existence of gender inequality, as a citizen of Belize, it is imperative that we each begin taking those steps in becoming aware of these detrimental issues. As a student, I take great interest in this topic as every individual has the right to gain equal opportunities and social positions. Consequently, gender inequality, has fostered gender-based violence and has limited women’s economic opportunities and social positions in society.

Belizean tops Caribbean Association of National Telecommunications Operators video competition
Wednesday, May 17, 2017 was World Telecommunication and Information Day and the Caribbean Association of National Telecommunications Operators announced that a Belizean won the annunal competition. She is 18-year-old Jo-Elisa Clarke of Calcutta, Corozal. Clarke has won four times since the inception of the competition eleven years ago. CANTO’s annual video competition was held under the theme of: “Technology and me- Exploring the Possibilities of ICT.” The video demonstrated ways to promote and disseminate information from a business to consumers with the use of technology. In Clarke’s presentation, she used a water compay to convey the idea that a small business can be developed with the use of technology. She showed that this can make an impact on the entire country and not just the business.

Casual swim in Bermudian landing claims life of a woman
An afternoon swim in the Belize River this weekend ended in tragedy when the victim, 23 year-old Denia Joselyn Zelaya, drowned. Reports are that she was on the river bank in Bermudian Landing, and when she slipped and fell in. The water current quickly swept her away, claiming her life. Reports to the police are that Zelaya and her common-law husband, Police Constable Dion Bellini, went to the village to enjoy a few hours in the river valley village. On Sunday, May 21, they were enjoying the cool waters of the Belize river near to the Black Howler Evolution Tour, which is a popular swimming location. Reports are that the afternoon was going as planned, but sometime around 1:30 p.m., Zelaya was standing on a cement slab on the river bank, and she lost her footing.

ITVET showcases its talents
For the rest of the week, teachers and students from ITVET schools all across the country will be celebrating Technical and Vocational Education and Training Week. For these students, it’s a special time to remember that their education matters just as much as the traditional forms of learning. This year, it is being observed under the theme, “Diversity TVET: Providing and Promoting Equal Opportunities for both men and women.” Whether Belizeans realize it or not, a large population of the country’s youths are getting educated through the schools which offer technical and vocation education and training (TVET). It allows for young people who are not equipped for the conventional types of schooling, but who can learn a craft they are fascinated with, which will also empower them to become employed.

Breaking Belize News

Taxi uproar in Cayo
A group of concerned and upset taxi men contacted BBN today to share their discontent with the San Ignacio/ Santa Elena Town Council. According to the men, the Mayor of the Twin Towns, Earl Trapp is charging all the Cayo taxi operators a trade […]

Defence Minister calls for Stronger Relationships and Meaningful Partnership in Regional Fight against Terrorism and Organized Crime
Belize’s Minister of Defence, John Saldivar has called for stronger relationships and a frank and more meaningful partnership among nations of the region in order to effectively counter terrorism and organized crime. According to a release issued by the Ministry of Defence, Saldivar made […]

Belize to implement ecosystem-based marine conservation and climate adaptation measures
The Marine Conservation and Climate Change Adaptation Project (MCCAP) in the coastal areas of Belize is being implemented by the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development (MFFSD) with fiduciary management assistance from the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) as the National Implementing Entity […]

Belize City Police investigating murder of Popular DJ
According to police reports, last night around 7:45 , police visited an area on the Central American Boulevard, Belize City where they saw the body of Andrew Ian Bennett, 42, of #26 Central American Boulevard with several gunshot wounds to the head and body. Police investigation […]

Swarm of bees sting an elderly woman to death in San Ignacio
Yesterday around 3 pm, police visited the San Ignacio Hospital where the body of Cruz Raquel Chan, 60, of Trench Town area San Ignacio Town was seen. Police investigation revealed that Chan was on her way to pick up her son from Arms of Love […]

Motorcycle valued at $1000 stolen in Spanish Lookout
stolen Kenneth Braun,18, a truck driver of Route 20 East, Spanish Lookout Village reported to police that on May, 9th 2017 at 5 a.m., he left home leaving his black Meilun motorcycle under a shed. Braun said that when he returned home on May,20th […]

Disruption should not be tolerated in the National Assembly says Godwin Hulse
In an interview with the media yesterday, the Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Godwin Hulse said that any disruptions by any group be it UDP or PUP should not be tolerated in the National Assembly. According to Hulse, the rules governing the […]

Popular Belizean DJ murdered in Belize City
Last night, a popular DJ was gunned down in the streets of the old capital. Around 7:30 last night, shots rang out on Central American Boulevard where Andrew Bennett was killed in front of his home. Bennett aka “Hardrock” was famous in the Belizean music industry […]

Ladyville man survives early morning shooting
Police are reporting that this morning a Ladyville man escaped armed assassins. According to reports, at around 6:39am, Mr. Clive Jones, 30, visited the Ladyville Police Precinct and stated that he was riding his bicycle on Perez Road from work at the 24 “7” Gas […]

UDP Seeks to Derail Senate Hearings says PUP
The Opposition, People’s United Party (PUP) issued a press release today stating that even though they are aware of the Prime Minister’s heavy-handedness and the dictatorial manner in which he runs the country, they are seriously concerned and appalled at his disingenuous actions where […]

Deputy Prime Minister Heads High-Level Delegation on Official Visit to Cuba
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, Patrick Faber is presently leading an Official High-level Delegation to the Republic of Cuba from May 22 to 26 2017. According to a Government of Belize press release, he is accompanied by Manuel Heredia […]

Blogs

A Beautiful Orchard in Cayo: Lychees, Coconut and Jatropha in Cristo Rey, Belize
Just outside of San Ignacio, Belize, there is a turn off that heads up into the hills, the Maya Mountains of Belize. The road, paved and then unpaved takes you to Cristo Rey Village, to San Antonio (where lots of Belize’s peanuts are farmed) and then farther up to where the landscape totally changes – to the Mountain Pine Ridge. Cristo Rey is a beautiful place – huge trees, beautiful manicured gardens, homes along the river and this sign. I’d driven past it before on the way up and made a mental note to find out if I could have a look around. I found a real estate listing – “Buy A Lychee Farm in Belize”. Through the real estate agent, a friend of mine, I was put in touch with the 101 acre farm owner – and set up a time to visit. Someone in Western Belize growing an Asian fruit (I saw them fresh for the first time in Thailand – and a second time, just a few weeks ago, in a fruit shop in San Pedro, Belize)…I wanted to know more. A 15 minute taxi ride and I was there.

St. John's Cathedral, The Oldest Church in Belize City
Located in the heart of Belize City, St. John’s Cathedral is one of the few physical legacies of the long period as a British colony. Built in 1812 as the Church of England’s headquarters in Central America, the cathedral was once used to crown four different native kings of the Miskito tribe in lavish ceremonies matching the pomp and circumstances of coronations in Europe. Today, the cathedral is the oldest surviving building constructed by Europeans in Belize. Using the enormous ballast stones brought over from Europe, English colonizers in what was then known as British Honduras erected the mighty St. John’s Cathedral as the power base of the Church of England in Central America. Visitors today can marvel at the well-preserved architecture made from sapodilla and mahogany wood, an antique pipe organ and tombstones of English colonists from the earliest days of the settlement of Belize City. St. John’s Cathedral is located in downtown Belize City just a few hundred feet west of the Government House. The cathedral is located directly across from the House of Culture and sits at the intersection of Albert and Regent Streets.

Top 15 Resorts, Lodges & Hotels in Cayo Belize
Over the years, Cayo has been dubbed as the Eco tourism Capital of Belize due to its abundant of Maya ruins like Caracol, Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, waterfalls like Rio on Pools and Thousand Foot Falls, meandering rivers like the Macal and Mopan, and spectacular caves like Actun Tunichil Muknal and Barton Creek. Cayo also has a plethora of resorts, lodges and hotels that can be used as bases to explore the wonderful attractions of western Belize. Below we have put together a list of the top affordable and reasonable resorts, lodges and hotels in Cayo that you can stay in on your next vacation:

Top 10 Best Beach Resorts in Belize
Belize is one of the last unspoiled places on the planet and is rapidly growing in popularity as a to-visit destination in the Caribbean and Central America. In fact, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) recently released figures showing Belize coming in at second place on the list of fastest growing tourist destinations in the Caribbean, behind only the Turks and Caicos Islands. With its white sandy beaches, lush rainforests and close proximity to the world’s second largest barrier reef, Belize is ultimate travel destination. Take a look at our expert top picks for the best beach resorts in Belize.

Lazy Pelican Bar At Ocean Tide's Hotel San Pedro Ambergris Caye
Located In the town of San Pedro, on the island of Ambergris Caye, you will find our beachfront resort with unobstructed reef views. Enjoy snorkeling, diving, fishing, along with free wi-fi all walking distance to downtown. To make reservations contact the hotel at their website: http://tidesbeachresort.com/ Have you ever wonder what kind of place to hang around while visiting San Pedro Ambergris Caye? Do you love the pool, beach and over-viewing the Caribbean sea? You don't have to go far up north in San Pedro because Raymond Varela, the Bartender will give you great services at Lazy Pelican Bar. While, you sit back and relax, you can have Raymond's famous drinks while enjoying the weather. Raymond has a variety of list of drink

Mathew Fox was seen hanging around at Palapa Bar and Sandy Toe's
Yesterday, a fan from Mathew Fox posted on Twitter that she had met Mathew Fox while visiting San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Mathew Fox acter, was hanging around at Sandy Toe's and Palapa Bar. Mathew Fox is recognized as an acter on Movies. Matthew Chandler Fox (born July 14, 1966) is an American actor. He is known for his roles as Charlie Salinger on Party of Five and Jack Shephard on the supernatural drama television series Lost.Fox was born in Abington, Pennsylvania, the son of Loretta B. (née Eagono) and Francis G. Fox.

TO ALL CARD HOLDERS: EXPANSION MEXICO TO SEVEN DAYS THE STAY OF BELIZEANS REGIONAL VISITOR CARD HOLDERS
The Embassy of Mexico in Belize reports that on May 19, an amendment to Section III of Article 52 of the Migration Law was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation, by means of which it extends from three to seven days Stay of citizens and permanent residents of Belize and Guatemala bearers of Regional Visitor Cards. This card, which is issued free of charge in the Office of the National Institute of Migration on the Puente Subteniente López Bridge (the old bridge), allows holders to enter Mexican territory by authorized immigration inspection points whenever they wish, Circulate for the States of Quintana Roo, Campeche, Tabasco and Chiapas and stay for up to seven days without requiring any payment upon departure.

International Sources

NOAA predicts active Atlantic hurricane season with 5 to 9 hurricanes
The federal government predicts an unusually active 2017 hurricane season for the Atlantic Basin, with five to nine hurricanes expected to form. Overall, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts 11 to 17 named tropical storms will develop in the region, which includes the Atlantic, the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, the agency announced Thursday. The season officially begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. Of the hurricanes, two to four could be major, with wind speeds of 111 mph or higher and rated as Category 3, 4 or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale of Hurricane Intensity. An average season typically spawns six hurricanes and peaks in August and September. A tropical storm contains wind speeds of 39 mph or higher and becomes a hurricane when winds reach 74 mph. Meteorologists at Colorado State University last month estimated 11 tropical storms will form, with four becoming hurricanes. The late Colorado State University meteorologist William Gray was the first scientist to make seasonal hurricane forecasts back in the 1980s.

U.S. airlines bracing for ‘imminent’ laptop ban expansion
U.S. airlines and some related businesses are making preparations for an imminent decision by the Trump administration to expand the airborne laptop ban to flights from Europe and possibly other regions, maybe as soon as Thursday, several sources told POLITICO. One U.S. airline source said his company is "preparing like they're about to" roll it out. "We haven't gotten firm confirmation but by all accounts. It looks like we think they’re going to do it" within the next week — but probably sooner rather than later, he said. "I just know that based on our assessment of what [DHS] told us, we're preparing for it to happen," he said.

Above-Normal Atlantic Hurricane Season is Most Likely This Year: NOAA
Residents living in Hurricane Alley need to prepare for what may be another busy Atlantic hurricane season. In its first outlook for 2017, issued Thursday, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center predicted a 45% chance for an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season, a 35% chance for a near-normal season and a 20% chance for a below-normal season. NOAA gave a 70 percent likelihood of 11 - 17 named storms, 5 - 9 hurricanes, 2 - 4 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale) and an Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) 75%-155% of the median. These numbers include Tropical Storm Arlene, which developed in April over the northeast Atlantic. If we take the midpoint of these ranges, NOAA called for 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes. This is above the 1981-2010 seasonal averages of 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes.

No answers in Belize murders
Francesca Matus and her American boyfriend vanished into the night one month ago. Less than one week later their bodies were discovered in a Belize sugar cane field near Matus’s seaside villa in Corozal. An autopsy revealed Matus, 52, of Keswick and a mother of two, and Drew DeVoursney, 36, a former U.S. Marine from Atlanta had been strangled to death. And it appears local cops - with assistance from the FBI - are no closer to making an arrest in the disturbing slaying.

Climate change and flooding threaten 4.2 million people on Caribbean and Pacific islands
A new study by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) estimates that 4.2 million people in small island developing states (SIDS) in the Caribbean and in the Pacific are living in areas that are prone to flooding due to rising sea levels. In addition to coastal erosion, rising sea levels are expected to negatively impact economic output and employment and could aggravate inflation and cause an increase in government debt, according to the study, A Blue Urban Agenda: Adapting to Climate Change in the Coastal Cities of Caribbean and Pacific Small Island Developing States. “Caribbean and Pacific coastal cities are on the frontlines of climate change,” said Michael G. Donovan, senior urban specialist at the IDB, co-author of the study. “It is critical to adapt and improve the resilience of cities in coastal zones, especially those experiencing rapid urbanization. Mayors in port cities across the globe could benefit from the policies that small island developing states are developing as their governments respond to coastal transformation,” he added.

Five Caribbean Countries Forecast To See Economic Growth This Year
The International Monetary Fund says Latin America and the Caribbean are bouncing back from recession and the regions are expected to see “secure strong and inclusive growth going forward.” So which Caribbean countries are set to see real GDP growth this year? Here is News Americas Now Top 5 pick based on the IMF data: Rounding out the Top 5 list is the Central American CARICOM nation of Belize, which is also forecast to grow by 3 percent this year, more than giants Brazil, Mexico and Argentina. Still, Alejandro Werner, Director of the IMF’s Western Hemisphere Department, warns: “With heightened policy uncertainty at the global level but low market volatility, countries in our region should focus on insuring against downside risks, while targeting strong, sustainable, and inclusive growth.”

New phase for hub and spokes trade initiative launched at Barbados workshop
An innovative trade initiative that is expanding opportunities for business, employment and prosperity in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries will be extended to February 2019. The hub and spokes programme is a joint initiative of the European Union, ACP Group Secretariat, Commonwealth Secretariat and Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie. Through the programme, trade advisers are placed in government ministries and regional organisations to provide support and build local capacity to develop trade policies. To kick-start the ambitious next phase of the aid for trade programme, 40 of the programme’s main stakeholders, including 16 trade advisers, are gathering for a workshop in Bridgetown, Barbados, between 22 and 23 May.

Lionfish map
Most recent update of the lionfish invasion map from Pam Schofield PhD and Amy Benson MS of USGS as of April 24, 2017.

New Cayman government uncertain as independents win majority
With independents securing three major government ministers’ scalps and the opposition failing to secure any seats outside of its traditional West Bay stronghold, the final results of Wednesday's general election have left the Cayman Islands facing significant uncertainty over who will form the next government. The results were all in well before midnight, but the question of who will lead the next government in the British territory and who will be sitting in Cabinet is completely up in the air.

Videos

Directorate General for Foreign Trade Donates Equipment to Government Agencies, 3min. On Monday, May 16th, several Government agencies received equipment for the advancement of their online systems. This was accomplished through the 10th European Development fund.

Journalist On The Run in San Pedro, 1min. Thanks Journalist On The Run, we love it too

Big Jack Crevalle on a spoon, Shore fishing Placencia Belize, 3min. Using big heavy spoons and casting of shore in Placencia produced a nice Yellowtail Jack Crevalle. Couldn't have done it without the help of Darnell. Just bouncing them off the bottom for a bit, then reel it fast.

Belize 2017, 4.5min. Belize, May 2017. Hol Chan, The Reef and Gladden Spit.

Travel Belize 2017, 9min. My first travel vlog is set in the beautiful country of Belize. We stayed the first few nights in the jungle in the Cayo district just south of San Ignacio. From there we flew to San Pedro where we did some amazing snorkelling and then spent our last few days on Caye Caulker. If you haven't been, you gotta go.

Tour por las calles de San Pedro, Ambergris Caye,Belize, 5min. Calles de Ambergris Caye en carro de golf.

Yucatec Maya of Belize playing the Poktapok, 2min. The Yucatec Maya group Ek Balam poktapok of Belize from the village of Yo Creek in Orange Walk playing the ancient Maya ball game at Nim Li Punit video by Courtesy by Felicta Cantun of U Puksi'ik'al Maya from Yo Creek,Orange Walk.

Bonefish Feeding Frenzy Belize, 2.5min. Feeding some big and aggressive bonefish on South Water Caye in Belize. We were feeding them with lionfish and they love them.

ANOTHER SCHOOL BENEFITS FROM CENTAURS INTERNET FOR SCHOOLS PROGRAM SAN PABLO GOVERNMENT SCHOOL, 5min.

Tropic Air landing at Belize Int, 1min. Awesome view landing at Belize International Airport.

RIP TO OUR BROTHER HARD ROCK, 8min.

May 25, 2017

2017 FCCA Children's Essay Competition

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials

Ambergris Today

Celebrity Spotting: 'Lost' Actor Matthew Fox Find His Way To Belize
American Actor Matthew Fox is well known for his role in the supernatural drama television series ‘Lost’, but he surely did not look lost when he was spotted vacationing in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. Matthew seemed quite at home in this picture taken at one of the island’s most popular ‘watering hole’ Palapa Bar. Bartenders Marcial Flores and Justin Daniels took the opportunity to take a snap with Matthew. He was also spotted at another local hotspot, Sandy Toes, where Instagram fanpage @matthewfoxroxx shared this picture of him with a fan on May 21.

Belize's Annual Wonder Woman Challenge Coming Up
The Annual Wonder Woman Challenge between women of the various disciplines in the security forces of Belize starts on Thursday, May 25, 2017. Female officers from the Belize Coast Guard (BCG), the Belize Defence Force, and the Belize Police Department will partake in a two-day event that includes four physically demanding challenges. These are a six-mile relay, a run-swim-run competition, the BCG Medley in which the teams must run while carrying four different burdens, and an obstacle course competition. This year’s competition takes place on the 25th-26th of May, starting at 8:00 AM at the Belize Coast Guard Headquarters, 4 ½ miles George Price Highway. The Wonder Woman Challenge is meant to foster teamwork, good sportsmanship, and a way to encourage the recruitment of women into the security sector. Members of the public are invited to come and support their favorite team. For more information contact the Belize Coast Guard Headquarters.

Misc Belizean Sources

100% ORGANIC Black Berries Wine on Caye Caulker
Goin like the wind! Bzd$10 per bottle (16oz). How many you want? Quarts and gallons by orders only...

Island Magic Beach Resort Now hiring for Font Desk/Reservations Department
f interested please send messages to: Island Magic's Facebook Messenger or call 226-0505 or visit our office. Excellent writing and verbal communication skills using proper English is the MOST IMPORTANT required qualification for this job as well as exceptional customer service expertise.

2nd Annual Wonder Woman Challenge
The Annual Wonder Woman Challenge between women of the various disciplines in the security forces of Belize starts on Thursday, May 25, 2017. Female officers from the Belize Coast Guard (BCG), the Belize Defence Force, and the Belize Police Department will partake in a two-day event that includes four physically demanding challenges. These are a six-mile relay, a run-swim-run competition, the BCG Medley in which the teams must run while carrying four different burdens, and an obstacle course competition. This year’s competition takes place on the 25th-26th of May, starting at 8:00 AM at the Belize Coast Guard Headquarters, 4 ½ miles George Price Highway. The Wonder Woman Challenge is meant to foster teamwork, good sportsmanship, and a way to encourage the recruitment of women into the security sector. Members of the public are invited to come and support their favorite team. For more information contact the Belize Coast Guard Headquarters.

Belize National Festival of Arts
2017 Calendar of Events

FIXED STAR INLVESTMENT INC. fraudulently claims it's registered in Belize to Trade
It has come to the notice of the International Financial Services Commission of Belize (IFSC) that an entity calling itself ‘FIXED STAR INLVESTMENT INC.’ is falsely and fraudulently claiming to hold a trading in securities licence issued by the International Financial Services Commission of Belize. We confirm that “FIXED STAR INLVESTEMNT INC.” is not licenced by the International Financial Services Commission of Belize or any other competent authority in Belize to engage in any type of trading business. The Licence displayed on the website, http://fxsfx.com/en/index.html is a complete forgery.

Corozal Cancer Walk Held In Corozal
Sunday, May 28 at 6 AM - 8 AM. Come wake up with a new week in Corozal on May 28, 2017 for a fun walk.

East Indian Festival
The Corozal Organization of East Indian Cultural Heritage (COEICH) will be celebrating its East Indian Festival in the beautiful village of Sarteneja on Thursday, June 1st between 9:00 A.M. and 2:30 P.M. See you there!

Remembering Deon Williams
"He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.” - St. Francis of Assisi

Sofia Guzman passes away
Services May 26, Caye Caulker Roman Catholic Church

Deputy Prime Minister Heads High-Level Delegation on Official Visit to Cuba
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Hon. Patrick Faber is presently leading an Official High-level Delegation to the Republic of Cuba from May 22 to 26 2017. He is accompanied by the Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation, and the Hon. Angel Campos, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health. The delegation is supported by a technical team formed by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Trade, the National Sports Council, the National Institute for Culture and History, and the Belize Embassy in Cuba. The Mission will call on Vice President of the Republic of Cuba Hon. Valdes Mésa on May 24th to express solidarity between Cuba and Belize and deepen the scope of cooperation between the two nations.

CAMCAYCA & CALGA MAYORS AND COUNCILORS VISIT AMBERGRIS CAYE
Mayors and councilors of the different countries that form the organizaton CAMCAYCA (Confederación de Asociaciónes de Municipios de Centroamérica y el Caribe) and CALGA (Caribbean Association of Local Government Authorities) visited Ambergris Caye on Thursday, May 18, 2017 as part of their work visit to Belize. Our guests visited Shark & Ray Alley on board a glass bottom boat, where they got to snorkel with the sharks and rays and witness the various fishes at the site. Those that were not as brave still had the opportunity to view the marine life below the sea through the glass of the boat. After their fun experience with the sharks and rays, a luncheon awaited them at the ever so relaxing and picturesque, the Victoria House, where they were entertained with local musical treasures, Mr. Wil & Dale.

Karcher Day
Introducing Karcher Day on Thursday, May 25th!!! Mark your calendars so you can come enjoy a day of deals, music, snacks & fun! Also featuring a karcher golf cart wash for only $5!!!! Proceeds going towards the children of Caye Caulker RC School. See you there....

Found dog on Caye Caulker
Hey caye caulker peeps, this little dog is at the split sinçe this morning...he had a leash, we take off the leash because he can be dangerous for him ( or her ? ) please come to the Blue beard french restaurant to bring him back in his sweet home.

Dj murdered in Belize City
A man known as "Hard Rock" was shot and killed near his home. Andrew Bennett, a Dj known as Hard Rock was killed on Central American Boulevard in Belize City minutes before 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24th.

Missing Person
The public is asked to assist in locating Erin Linarez. He has been missing since Tuesday, May 23rd. His last location was at Remar Rehabilitation Center in Bullet Tree Falls, Cayo District. According to the manager at Remar, he left around 4:30 a.m. and no one has heard from or seen him since. Anyone with knowledge of his current location, kindly contact the nearest police station or his mom Rose Marie Linarez at 6600506. Thank you.

Inaugural meeting of the Corozal Historical Society
The Corozal Town Historical Walk has been the catalyst in creating a group for residents who are passionate about our town and district's history. We are kindly inviting members of the community to the inaugural meeting of the Corozal Historical Society on June 10th.

"CIRCO LOS ESPANTOS"
Last days of the scary circus "CIRCO LOS ESPANTOS" located on Avenida Universidad and Insurgentes in Chetumal, Mexico right across from Wal-Mart. A new concept of circus. Don't miss it.

Oscar Puga passes, BTB offices closed Thursday
Notice: Belize Tourism Board opening hours May 25,2017.

Channel 7

PUP Jumpy About Security, Senate Hearings Postponed
Today was supposed to be the continuation of the Senate Hearings on Immigration in Belmopan, and things were going to be hot, with testimony from former Ambassador to Taiwan Cherie Nisbet, and Alvarine Burgess, the immigration agent who turned whistle-blower back in 2013. Early this morning, however, before the media could start heading out to the National Assembly, we all received word that a decision was made to postpone the hearing. For answers, we spoke with Committee Chairman Aldo Salazar at his Belize City office about the last-minute decision. He said that he was acting on a request from Opposition Leader John Briceno: Hon. Aldo Salazar - Chairman, Senate Select Committee: "The reason is that the request came from the opposition for us to put off the hearing for a week. Out of collegiality and respect I decided that it would be best to do so, that is really the end of it."

Will Last Wednesday's Menacing Behavior Be Repeated?
And while the claims of a political party should generally not be accepted without proof, the PUP is convinced that violence and disruption were on the UDP's agenda for today. And, so, it does give pause for concern about security in and around the National Assembly when the Senate Hearings are being conducted. Today, the media asked the Chairman specifically about preventing a reoccurrence of last week's hearing, when UDP's disrupted the testimony of Elvin Penner. He told us that additional security measures will be put into place to make sure the hearings go smoothly:

Can Senate Remove The Macebearer?
So, how will the Senate Select Committee address the continued presence of Brian "Yellowman" Audinett, if he decides to come back to the hearings? He is an officer of the National Assembly, but the press has asked that he be banned, and today the opposition asked the Speaker to fire him. Salazar said that committee will have to meet as whole and come up with a decision: "Definitely that cannot be continuance, we need to go about this in a proper manner and your letter will receive and like I said this select committee, I don't control it you know, in fact I am the one that has least control over it. It is controlled by the social partners and the opposition, they are the majority so the direction that this committee is taking, the consideration of your letter is going to be by the committee on a whole, it's not my decision. So even though my view is that we cannot have that sort of activity in the house, in the chamber; it is something that is going to be considered by the entire committee not by myself."

Hon. Hulse Says Disruption Has No Place In the Chamber
And what does the leader of government business in the senate think about Yellowman's antics? Today, in Orange Walk Godwin Hulse told the media that disruption by any group - be they UDP or PUP, cannot be tolerated: "Any disruption of any proceedings in the national assembly is unfortunate. There are rules governing that the chairman acting on behalf of the president has the authority and the responsibility to kick people out who would create any kind of disruption, it doesn't matter where they are. It's not along political lines at all; disruption is disruption that's all I will say on that."

Hon. Aldo Against Alvarine
So while the aftermath of last week continues to sort itself out, the hearings are expected to resume next Wednesday, and the witnesses who would have attended today will be asked to show up in a week's time. Today, we asked the Chairman to discuss the witnesses who will appear, and why the Committee believes that they can provide helpful testimony. He made it clear that while he sees the wisdom of calling Ambassador Cherie Nisbet, in his opinion, there is no need for Alvarine Burgess to make an appearance. Here's how he put it:

Hulse Hot To Trot Before Commission
And Immigration Minister, Godwin Hulse is also on the list of those scheduled to appear. He was to appear next week, but with today's postponement, that has been pushed back. He said he is eager to have his turn before the committee: "As Minister of Immigration I have been summoned to appear, it should be next week I understand there's a little delay because there is no hearing today so I might be pushed until another week - that's good. I look forward to going there and to clarify some of the points that dangling in the public's mind and in fact to set the record straight with respect to many of the improvements and changes that we've made in the department from those unfortunate dates to now."

Is Commission Crystallizing Lessons Learned?
So, how does the chairman assess the work of the Senate Select Committee so far? They've been at it for almost 6 months, and they've already logged well over 100 hours in testimony from the many witnesses who've appeared. We've heard plenty about the various abuses within the Department, and the corruption, but there has been no evidence which definitively points to one specific person caught in wrongdoing. Does the Chairman view that as a failure? That's what we asked, and here's what he said: Daniel Ortiz: "It seems from the course of the Senate hearings, all the bodies have been exhumed of all the crimes committed but nobody, no evidence has come forward to the Senate which definitively points to a particular individual to be held responsible. Would you agree?"

Man Shot In Head In City Survives
Tonight a Belize City man is in critical condition after he was shot in the head last night. Around 9:30, Hammon Lemoth was shot at the One Love barber shop on Central American Boulevard. Lemoth, who was reportedly cutting a client's hair was hit by one of nine bullets. Police quickly responded and transported Lemoth to the KHMH for treatment. Today we spoke to the Commander of Southside Police, ACP Chester Williams, about the investigation into the shooting... "Last night, sometime after 10pm thereabout police were called to the corner of Central American Boulevard and I think Augustus Street where on arrival they came across one Hammon Lemot who was suffering from apparent gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to the KHMH and there he underwent surgery last night. He is currently listed in the hospital in a stable condition-in a critical condition."

OW Principal Rejects Claims of Bullying
Last night you heard from Evangelina Alamilla, the Orange Walk mother who says that her son's principal bullied and humiliated him in front of the school assembly because of his long hair. The Principal didn't have anything to say yesterday, but today in Orange Walk she and her school manager held a press conference to say that the events categorized as bullying have been mis-represented: Cherly Distan - Principal, Solomon SDA: "The child in question is actually a young man of 13 years who is in standard 4. He has been told in private numerous times that the hairstyle he sports is not appropriate. Yes he was mentioned by name at assembly as were other students. He was asked that after assembly to kindly fix his hair at a washbasin, sometime later that morning it was brought to my attention that the young man was non-compliant. I asked him to accompany me to the basin so I can personally see it that he follows the instruction given."

Deputy PM To Havana With High Level Delegation
Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber last went to Cuba for Fidel Castro's funeral in November of 2016. Well, 6 months later he's back in Havana leading a High-level Delegation. Faber is accompanied by Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia Jr., and Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Angel Campos. The delegation is supported by a technical team comprising officials from the Ministry of Foreign Trade, the National Sports Council, NICH, and the Belize Embassy in Cuba. The mission runs from May 22nd to the 26th during which time Faber will visit with Cuban Vice President Valdes MÃ©sa. He will also meet with the Ministers of Education and Culture, as well as other government officials to discuss culture, sports, tourism, and trade.

Galvez Says Gaza Man Nicholi Assaulted Him
Twenty-six year old Nicoli Rhys - a George Street figure who is well known to police - and his girlfriend, 28 year old Esther Garcia, are behind bars at Belize Central Prison tonight. They were remanded because Rhys was charged with aggravated burglary while his girlfriend was charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary. They pled not guilty, but Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser said she could not offer bail because a firearm was involved.

CITO Seeking Input
Today the Central Information Technology Office held a sensitization and validation workshop for their new Information and Communications Technology Policy. The document, which seeks to develop the relationship between the Belizean people and technology, has been in the works since 2013. The ICT policy was originally completed in 2015, so now stakeholder criticism and advice is being taken to update its content. We spoke to CITO's acting director, Francisco Gonzalez, about the new policy... "The policy seeks to establish a sustainable environment and ecosystem whereby the impoverished can have access to technology, any kind of technology. And it also tries to establish an environment where our education system can produce individuals who are suited for the current jobs that exist today, and that will be needed for tomorrow in technology."

Another Belizean Chicken Producer HACCP Certified
Another local chicken producer has become HACCP certified. It's Caribbean Chicken, the Blue Creek Based Operation which has been working on its certification since 2005. Twelve years, and many hundreds of thousands of dollars later, they were certified by BAHA on May second. What does that mean for your favorite chicken dish? Spokesman Ruben Froese (Froze) explained: "Well basically with the HACCP certification we're putting out a guarantee to our customers, to the general public that the product that we put on the market is safe, it has been taken through the proper procedures for human consumption, it's HACCP approved and BAHA certified. We done in our refrigeration system is where we've invested probably heavily one of the most refrigeration as you know is key, it's critical to maintaining poultry products. So that is a major investment that we have been doing, in the plant we have been doing appraisal equipment, personnel is another major investment that we've been making, we've hired personnel to do all the training. Export has always been on the back of our minds, definitely with the HACCP certification it's coming, it's materializing right now and it is a potential in the coming years it will be an agenda that we will be pushing."

Ryan Robbed Lindsay
Immigration Officer Lindsay Wade made major waves when he appeared in front of the Senate Committee and called on them to bring Mr. Middleton. But it didn't make news years ago when he was robbed at gunpoint. On June 1, 2012, three men robbed Dorian Usher and Lindsey Wade at gunpoint - taking jewelry, cell phones and cash in US and Belize currencies. Well, today, 5 years later, one of the men was convicted. He is 33 year old Ryan Lippo Alvarez, who is presently on remand for a city murder which happened in 2016. In the court room of Senior Magistrate, Sharon Fraser, Alvarez changed his not guilty plea to guilty and was slapped with two - 5 year prison terms - which are to run concurrently so he will only serve 5 years.

The Art Of Fishing Out In The Deep Blue
Today a group of about 12 fishers learned all about deep sea fishing at a workshop in Belize City. Now, deep sea fishing is not like regular fishing; it uses a different set of fishing techniques and requires specialized gear. For that reason it is more expensive than regular fishing but the coordinators say it is just another way fishers can earn money and at the same time, there is less of a strain on the lobster and conch population that most fishermen are used to catching. The Director of the Belize Federation of Fishers told us that the fishers were learning their and practical. Nigel Martinez - Director, Belize Federation of Fishers: "So This workshop is the last component of a project, a 1 year project we have, the Belize Federation of Fishers have with COMPACT. Basically today what we are trying to do is to ensure that we finalize this training package, a 2 phase training package it is theory and practice all and it is in reference to deep slope fishing."

Meet and Greet, Chester's Last Tours
Today the Belize City Police held their weekly meet and greet session with the residents of Belize City. Cops from both sides of the city spoke to citizens for their input on the police's work in their neighborhoods. We met ACP Chester Williams, in the Port Loyola Area where he said that working with the City's residents is paying off...

Will Marco Meet and Greet?
The police community meet and greet sessions were popularized under Williams' command here in the city, but he will only hold that position for another month or so. Williams is being transferred to Belmopan to head up the Professional Standards Branch as part of large scale shake up in the police command. When we spoke to him today, we asked Williams about his transition and if we will continue to see the meet and greet sessions after he is gone... ACP Chester Williams - Commander, Southside Police: "Well each commander comes with their own style and this is my style of policing. I believe in policing with consultation with the public. At the end of the day the public do know what they go through on a daily basis more than the police."

Channel 5

Citing Threats of Retaliation, Senate Committee Chair Suspends Public Hearing
Today’s session of the senate special select committee was suspended at the eleventh hour. Ordinarily, all announcements pertaining to these matters are released through the Office of the Clerk of [...]

Not Done Yet, Aldo Salazar Says Committee’s Time Must Be Productive
Following last Wednesday’s epic failure to remove the U.D.P. operatives from the gallery, Chairman Salazar went on record with a personal view that the inquiry should come to an end [...]

In Future, Committee Must Balance Rights of Protestors and Questioners
While the outcome of last Wednesday’s meeting was unpredictable, security within the Assembly Building remains an important issue and if the chairman can maintain order during the proceedings. On one [...]

Opposition Wants “Yellow Man’s” Mace Taken Away
This afternoon, the P.U.P. issued its own statement on what led to the request for a suspension. It says it is seriously concerned and appalled at the disingenuous actions of [...]

Godwin Says Disruption Should Not Be Tolerated
We caught up with the United Democratic Party’s leader of Government Business in the Senate, Godwin Hulse, at another event today. Hulse is also a former chairman of a senate [...]

“Yellow Man” Fate in Hands of Speaker, President, Chairman
“Yellow Man” Audinett’s role inside the House of Representatives may seem minor to some. But it is a solemn responsibility and his actions on May seventeenth have led to calls [...]

Why Lee Mark Made the Right Call on Refusing Privilege Motion
The Opposition senators’ attempt to stand up for what happened to the press on May seventeenth, during an ordinary meeting of the Senate, did not get very far. On Friday, [...]

Media Makes Official Complaint on Removal of “Yellow Man”
There is pressure building tonight for the removal of “Yellow Man” Audinett as Macebearer and Sergeant-At-Arms given his appalling behaviour last Wednesday, when he attacked members of the media within [...]

Man Critical After Overnight Belize City Shooting
The streets of the city have been relatively free of gun violence. But around nine o’clock on Tuesday night, shots rang out on Central American Boulevard on the south side [...]

N.T.U.C.B. Tackles Hard Questions After Incendiary Neal/Mora Recording
The decision-making body of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize met on Saturday at its headquarters here in Belize City. That meeting came hard on the heels of Public [...]

Congress Respects P.S.U. Autonomy, Presents Forum for Dialogue
According to Neal, the N.T.U.C.B. has commenced a process which will give all parties the opportunity to fully discuss the matter of race relations within the unions. Isani Cayetano [...]

Godwin Ready to Go to Senate Inquiry
One more issue on the senate in tonight’s news…Senator Godwin Hulse will appear before the Senate Special Select Committee in the very near future. As Minister of Immigration and Nationality, [...]

Training for Deep Sea Fishing
The Belize Federation of Fishers and the Department of Fisheries are training fishermen for deep-sea fishing. The training is a part of a project being implemented over the last year [...]

How to Preserve Collections in Times of Disaster
The Museum of Belize under the National Institute of Culture and History culminated a two-day workshop entitled, Disaster Preparedness and Recovery for Collections. Its objective is to empower collectors, custodians, [...]

1 of 3 Accused Robbers Pleads Guilty
One of three men accused of robbing an Immigration Officer and a businessman at gun point of their personal items and a significant amount of cash was convicted in the [...]

Kareem Smith Burglary Charge Dropped
A recent murder suspect saw a charge of burglary against him struck out this morning when he appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court. He is Kareem Smith, a well-known [...]

Caribbean Chicken is Now Certified
A few weeks ago, Quality Poultry Products of the Cayo District became the first company to certify to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points standard, securing a potential place in [...]

Police Boast of Safer Community During Meet and Greet
With gun violence significant low, police continue its program of community policing. Today, ACP Chester Williams was on the south side of Belize City, particularly the precinct one jurisdiction, meeting [...]

Emmy-Winning Belizean-American Anchor Kendis Gibson Tells of “Coming Home”
Less than two weeks ago, acclaimed Belizean-American journalist Kendis Gibson, an Emmy Award winning reporter and anchor for ABC, visited Belize for the first time in over ten years. During [...]

CTV3

Chairman Senate Inquiry Explains Postponement Of Hearing
After building quite a lot of sensational hype, over the appearance of Ministerial visa hustling whistleblower Alvarine Burgess at the Senate Select Committee hearing scheduled for today; and whether UDP Chairman Alberto August, National Assembly Macebearer Brian “Yellowman” Audinette and a group of their supporters would return to cause chaos – it would all just not be. This morning the news spread like wildfire that today’s Senate hearing had been cancelled. The controversial decision was taken by the Committee this morning on the basis of credible information that UDP supporters – masked behind an adhoc group known as Belizeans Against Courtenay – were planning to show up outside the National Assembly and attempt to harm Senators Eamon Courtenay, Mark Lizarraga and Elena Smith. Chairman of the Senate Select Committee Aldo Salazar, who presided over last week’s violent disruption by the UDP, explained that he was initially not supportive of not holding the hearing.

Minister Of Immigration Weighs In On Immigration Scandal
We also caught up with Lead Government Senator and Minister of Immigration Godwin Hulse and asked him about the violent actions by Yellowman at last week’s Senate hearing. Godwin Hulse, Lead Government Senator/Minister: “I know that question has been asked over and over but my simple answer is the command and the control of the National Assembly that the Standing Orders fall under the prevue of the Speaker and falls under the prevue of the President when it is the Senate, the Chairman acts on behalf of the President and consequently whatever the Chairman does with respect to that that is a done deal...”

BAJC Graduate Receives Top Prize In Regional Competition
Eighteen year old Jo-Elisa Clarke, a recent graduate from the Belize Adventist Junior College, has received the top prize in a regional competition held by the Caribbean Association of National Telecommunications Organization (CANTO) to promote technology in business. In commemoration of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day on May 17th, CANTO called on students from all Caribbean countries to participate in their annual video competition. Clarke seized the opportunity and was one of several participants to submit. We spoke to her today to learn how she went about preparing her submission.

Art Competition Seeks To Promote Recycling And Marine Protection
Over the weekend, Oceana in Belize held a national annual initiative to raise awareness on the importance of protecting our marine environment. The initiative is known as Hands Across the Sands and involves people turning up to make a human chain as a symbol of resistance. Today we got an update from the northern representative Ryan Rivera about how it all went. Ryan Rivera - Oceana in Belize Corozal Rep: “Over the weekend the event, Hands Across the Sand was a fairly good one, this year we had a god turn out compared to last year we had between forty to fifty people, we had groups from the Scouts representing, we had two Scout Units and we had the Rotaract members, we had the Rotary members and members from the Anglican Church as well, and of course the Oceana Volunteers as well was fairly well and in Orange Walk as well, I think they had about twenty to twenty five people, they had one youth group, which was Seeds of Change, that participated...”

LOVE FM

Deep Slope Fishing: An Alternative for Fishermen
The Belize Federation of Fisheries, BFF, is hosting a three day ‘train the trainers’ workshop in Belize City. Participants, members of each association under the BFF, engaged in an educational session this morning about deep sea fishing. Director of the BFF, Nigel Martinez spoke to Love News. NIGEL MARTINEZ ” We also spoke to an […]

Clive’s Narrow Escape; Shooter at Large
A man narrowly escaped an attempt on his life after a bullet grazed him this morning. Thirty year old Clive Jones of Ladyville Village told police that around 6:39 he was riding his bicycle on Perez Road when he noticed two male persons walking towards him coming from the opposite direction. When one of the […]

Protecting and Recovering History in Times of Disasters
The National Institute of Culture and History and the Museum of Belize concluded a two day workshop focused on training museum operators, private collectors, archives and library employees on disaster preparedness and recovery of collections. The training titled “Disaster Preparedness and Recovery for Collections” is the third in the last three years. Organizers conducted trainings […]

Year 2 of the Wonder Woman Challenge: BCG vs BDF
Starting at eight o’clock tomorrow morning, several women attached to the Belize Coast Guard and the Belize Defence Force are going to embark in a competition dubbed. ‘The Wonder Woman Challenge’. This is the second event of its kind spearheaded by the Belize Coast Guard. Team Captain of the last year’s winning team, Officer AlmitaPinelo […]

Land Rights and Racism: Challenges of the Garinagu
The National Garifuna Council had its conference over the weekend in Hopkins Village, Stann Creek District where they took care of basic council business and reports. In addition to this, the Council also allotted a portion of their time to discuss several land issues that the Garinagu are experiencing particularly in the south. President of […]

August Apologizes for Assault Against the Media
The media houses in Belize are lacking an association but even so, members of various media houses have been coming together of recent to speak out on their rights as reporters in Belize. Recently, there was a joint effort made in boycotting the Belize Police Department and today, there is another joint effort taking place […]

Belizeans Against Courtenay (BAC) Explain Senate Disruptions
Eamon Courtenay is the lead Senator for the People’s United Party who is being targeted by a group of persons who are forming the group, Belize against Courtenay (BAC). Leading the movement is Chairman of the United Democratic Party, Alberto August. August told Love News in this venture he is acting as a private citizen. […]

NEAB Speaks of Biased and Corrupt Law Enforcement
The National Evangelical Association of Belize has issued a release surrounding the incident involving Louis Wade Jr and Roberto Montero on November 23, 2016 followed by Wade being charged last week. The release by the NEAB noted that they are backed up by their more than two hundred and fifty churches nationwide when they express […]

No Confirmation from FIU on Money Laundering Investigation
UNIAN News, an organisation operating out of Ukraine, recently reported that their former president, Viktor Yanukovych as well as American national, Paul Manafort are being investigated by the Financial Intelligence Unit in Belize for money laundering. According to the article, the matter continues to be investigated with Doug Singh being at the centre of the […]

Body Found in Western Belize
Authorities were called out to an area between Banana Bank and Santander after a body was found nearby. Fem Cruz has the story. FEM CRUZ “

Senators Debate on the $20M From CDB to DFC
Two loan motions of significant amounts and importance was passed during Friday’s Sitting of the Senate. One of the loans approved was for twenty million US dollars from the Caribbean Development Bank for the Development Finance Cooperation. Senators first debated this loan. OSMANY SALAS “The effects of correspondent banking relationships, excess liquidity in the market […]

Breaking Belize News

Woman killed by Africanized bees at Primary School in Cayo
A woman died this afternoon after she was stung by Africanized bees. The incident occurred at the Arms of Love primary school located in the Kontiki area in San Ignacio, Cayo.

Two men shot near barbershop
At around 10:00 last night the peace was shattered on Belize City’s south side. Two men were reportedly gunned down near a barbershop in Lake Independence. Fortunately, the men remain alive but in a critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). We will […]

San Ignacio businessman reportedly robbed of $50,000
According to reports, yesterday an Indian businessman was robbed in front of his home on Thornly street in San Ignacio. The assailants stole $50,000 and escaped. The businessman has a store at the Benque Viejo Free Zone. BBN will have more on this story […]

Media requests “Yellowman” to be banned from Senate hearings
Last week, Chairman of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Alberto August led a group of men who are protesting for the removal of Senator Eamon Courtenay from the Senate. During the incident, Mace-bearer Brian “Yellowman” Audinette assaulted media personnel from three different media houses. […]

PUP says UDP thugs intended to cause violence at Senate hearing
This morning, the People’s United Party (PUP) via a statement on social media said they were informed last night that United Democratic Party (UDP) operatives had been engaged to initiate real violence outside the Senate today. According to the PUP, those include attacks on […]

Senate inquiry postponed for “security reasons”
Confirmed reports to BBN is that the sitting of the Senate Special Select Committee scheduled for today has been postponed. Famous whistle-blower Alvarine Burgess was scheduled to testify today to the committee about her involvement and any information that she has on the Immigration/Passport […]

Blogs

4 day Ocean Crossing – Sailing from Belize to Roatan
I was one of 15 people that ended up with a golden ticket for a 4 day two catamaran caravan sailing from Belize to Roatan including amazing wildlife at Lighthouse Reef, snorkeling the Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye Wall, an overnight ocean crossing and no shortage of ab master laughter. We enjoyed 96 hours in our own private “Blue Planet Belize” moment while we headed towards a travel channel worthy time on Roatan eating and drinking our way around the island. 11 of us finished our adventure with flying back to Belize from Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport. Saturated with a broad range therapeutic experiences, sailing truly is an activity that will soothe your soul and help you remember what it really means to live your life to the fullest. And that my friends, is a great health benefit. The largest pod of dolphins I have seen so far in all my years of boat travel in Belize and otherwise.

BELIZE RESORTS: BEST RESORTS TO STAY IN 2017
When it comes to Belize Resorts we’re sure you’ve heard and read about all the great places to stay. “Luxury” Resorts are a dime-a-dozen around everywhere as the word has been coined by anyone who has a nice set of couches and can take a striking picture of the arrangement. To us, luxury means something different – it’s in the experience, not so much the amenities because a spa is great but if the massage is bad was it really luxury? We can vouch for the following Belize Resorts to be in the “best” category. Luckily your resident Belize Travel Experts (bloggers) have rounded up a list of top recommendations for travelers looking for the best resorts in Belize.

Why You Have to Visit Hopkins Belize on Your Vacation
Often ranked as the friendliest village in Belize, Hopkins is in the center of the Garifuna culture, a unique people with both African and Caribbean roots who migrated to the country in the 18th century. With a laidback, easygoing atmosphere, the village is a popular destination for visitors interested in learning to play Garifuna drums, sampling Garifuna cuisine, learning more about traditional fishing culture, and as a jumping off point for the nearby Belize Barrier Reef. Hopkins is a quaint Garifuna village on the Caribbean coast in the southeastern Stann Creek District of Belize. Hopkins is located eight miles south of Dangriga and approximately 90 miles south of Belize City.

Why You Have to Visit Placencia Belize on Your Vacation
Described by locals as “barefoot perfect”, Placencia is a small 16-mile long narrow peninsula in southeastern Belize with gorgeous beaches on the Caribbean side and a lovely mangrove-lined lagoons on the western side. Located just a few miles from the Belize Barrier Reef, Placencia is one of the country’s premiere spots for diving, fishing, cruising, and snorkeling vacations. Nearby on the mainland are several Garifuna villages, Maya ruins, and one of the country’s largest nature preserves complete with indigenous jaguars. Placencia is located on the Caribbean coast in southeastern Belize in Stann Creek District. Placencia is approximately a 30-minute drive south of the city of Dangriga.

Marie Sharp's Factory Tour
Starting in 1980, local Belizean chef Marie Sharp began developing flavorful sauces made with the peppers, vegetables and fruits grown locally on her family’s farm. Now exported to North America, South America, Europe and Asia, all of the sauces made in the factory are still made from locally-sourced ingredients by a small staff. The factory’s official address is Number 1 Melinda Road in Hope Creek Village, Belize just a short distance from Dangriga. The factory runs Monday through Friday except for holidays but it’s always best to call ahead to arrange for a tour. The phone number for tours is (501) 532-2087 and they can be contacted at the very appropriate email address of fierylady70@yahoo.com.

International Sources

Kent resident Judith Gray to study in Belize through Project Dragonfly
Kent resident Judith Gray, a new master's student in the Global Field Program offered through Miami University's Project Dragonfly, will travel to Belize in June to study coral reefs, manatees, howler monkeys, jaguars and other wildlife, while learning the methods communities are using to sustain them. Gray works as a school improvement coordinator at Akron City Schools.

Wyoming National Guard Provides Medical Care in Belize
Soldiers from the Wyoming National Guard kicked off the second of three medical readiness events as part of Beyond the Horizon (BTH) 2017, at Macal River Park in San Ignacio, Belize, on May 8th. BTH is a U.S. and Belize partnership exercise designed to provide humanitarian and engineering services to communities in need, demonstrating U.S. support for Belize. U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Amy Surdan, a nurse practitioner with the Wyoming Medical Detachment (MedDet), has served on a previous Beyond the Horizon mission. Lt. Col. Surdan, who works in the women’s health tent, claims that the way the event is set up this year is better than her previous experience. “I really prefer this one,” said Lt. Col. Surdan. “Just for the way this is set up, where it is in one location throughout the whole duration. It makes it easier to work out the kinks of supply and transportation of medical equipment. It allows us to bring and use more specialized items we wouldn’t be able to otherwise.”

Fate of World’s Wildlife Hangs on Sustainable Tourism
“While wildlife keeps all of us alive, its future is squarely in our hands,” says John Scanlon, who heads the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, CITES. “We alone will determine the fate of the world’s wildlife and in doing so our own destiny.” Scanlon made these observations at the World Travel and Tourism Council’s 17th Global Summit in Bangkok, Thailand in late April, an event held in advance of the International Day for Biological Diversity, celebrated around the world on May 22. In Belize, which bridges the divide between the Caribbean and Central America and encompasses the world’s second largest reef, more than 50 percent of residents support themselves by income generated through reef-related tourism and fisheries.

BANK WOES SPREAD
In the past year or so, several of the larger commercial banks in the United States such as JP Morgan Chase and the Bank of America cut ties with counterpart institutions in the Caribbean, blaming increased pressure from federal regulators and higher costs to monitor the legitimacy of transactions from the region as reasons. It was easier to simply sever ties as they have done. Stung by the moves and forced to seek out alternative international banks to process bank transfers, checks and other transactions, banks in the region hurriedly concluded new arrangements with others to keep customers happy. In one instance, the Belize’s Central Bank was forced to play the role of an international bank, processing checks and other transactions just to keep commerce moving as several of their banks were left in the lurch.

Videos

Talk Ah Di Town May 18, 2017, 33min.

Gracie Rock Resource Center, 4min. Members of the Gracie Rock Community recently received certificates in various areas of tourism and recreation, through a Social Investment Fund Capacity Building Program.

Grace And You Cooking Show Caricom Belize Semi Boil Up, 19min.

The Belize Marketing & Development Corporation - Promoting Agribusiness in Northern Belize, 23min.

Adventuring in Belize with Toddler, 14min. Our first family vacation in 5 years! It was much needed and much enjoyed. Unfortunately the husband didn't have as much fun as he ended up with food poisoning. Twice. But Addie and I enjoyed the pool and we were lucky enough to get our own guide to help us on a snorkel trip (Thanks Tuff Enuff). Addie did really well on our first out of the country trip. She handled the long plane rides and customs lines like a champ. She even surprised me and really enjoyed floating on the ocean looking at fish, waves and all. I really enjoyed Belize, I wish we could have spent more time on the reef, but we still had a good time. Accommodations - Coco beach resort. Location - Ambergris Caye, Belize.

Belize Scuba Diving FEB 2017, 1hr52min.

Belize Canoe - River Pt. 2, 2min.

Belize Crystal Caves Pt. 1, 1min.

Howler Monkeys in Belize!, 1/2min.

Rotary Club of Belmopan - 3rd RubberDuck Race, 17min.

HOMECOMING: Kendis makes his triumphant return from vacationing in Belize. Watch how it all played out., 2min. We hope to welcome you back to Belize soon, Kendis!

Police Check Point Talk Show, 60min.

CARIBBEAN CHICKEN GET’S THE GO AHEAD TO EXPORT IT’S PRODUCTS, 5.5min.

Cultural Relations in Belize The Creole Garinagu Conflict, 60min.

East Indian Community - Cultural showcase, 35min.

International day of Families - The Modern Family, min.

BELIZE-BOUND, 5min. Kendis Gibson returns to his birthplace and gets in touch with his roots.

Belize - Sea Turtle, 2min.

Belize Swimming in a Cave & River Roll, 1min. Rio Frio Cave, ATM Cave and this cave - Nohoch Che'en Cave were all great adventures and fun. The water was warm and the caves were cool!

Belize Canoe - Double Waterfall, 3.5min.

Cave Tubing in Belize, 52min.

Belize, 6min.

Belize Getaway February 2017, 7.5min. Our winter getaway to Belize to celebrate Nik's 50th Birthday. Split our time between Placencia and San Pedro. Great scuba diving, beautiful scenery, and relaxing days by the pool.

Chelsea & Javon's Epic Trip to Belize, 13min. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE YOU'VE NEVER BEEN - Take a peek into Chelsea & Javon's awesome Belize adventure where they ended their Belize vacation at Coco Plum Island Resort.

Belize Water Rescue for Tourism, 5.5min. This is a fun video of a water rescue class for the tour industry in Belize using stand up paddle boards and kayaks.

How to make fry jack from belize, 4min.

Gunjai: A Garifuna dance / music for celebration, 2min. While traditional Punta, Punta Rock, and Paranda are well-known Garifuna genres and dances, Gunjai is hardly heard of among non-Garifuna people. It is a celebratory, action-dance that the Garifuna people participate in to celebrate victory.

May 24, 2017

Lazy Lizard BVB 2017 Prize awards

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials

The San Pedro Sun

“Hands across the Sand” brings dozens out to Central Park
The coastal community of San Pedro is more motivated than ever to protect its waters by raising awareness on environmental policies and practices. On Saturday, May 20th, more than 20 environmental advocates participated in the annual “Hands Across the Sand”. Held at the Central Park, the gathering held hands along the beach in symbolic opposition of offshore exploration and drilling, as well as seismic surveying. Over 80 countries around the world partook in the event, and Oceana in Belize organized this symbolic activity in San Pedro, and across 13 other municipalities. This year, the campaign was also aimed at spreading the message of “saying ‘NO’ to filthy fuels and saying ‘YES’ to clean energy.”

Tiger Sharks; next win would seal the NEBL 2017 championship
The San Pedro Tiger Sharks are one step closer in becoming the 2017 National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) Champions, after defeating Belmopan Bandits in game one of a best-out-of-three game series. For the fourth consecutive year, the island team is seeking a championship, and with the first win in the 2017 NEBL finals, Game two is the most anticipated game of the season. San Pedro Tiger Shark’s Ashton Edwards was very instrumental in their victory, netting 18 points on 50% shooting from the field, and scoring three long-distance nets. The season’s MVP George Williams brought another impressive performance, tallying 15 points, three assists and two steals. Raul ‘Thumpy’ Roches registered a double-double with 15 points and 10 re bounds, and Kurt ‘Chengo’ Burges recorded 11 rebounds.

Ambergris Stadium is officially inaugurated
After its September 2015 project launch, the prestigious Ambergris Stadium was officially inaugurated on Sunday, May 21st. Coordinated by Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL), along with the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), and executed by AM Construction Company from the Orange Walk District, the $4.4 million state-of-the-art multi-purpose sporting arena was designed to transform sports professionalism on the island. Over 500 people were in attendance to enjoy great entertainment and football action. After the ribbon cutting ceremony, the Government officials were invited to tour the field, and even took turns at scoring a goal. Heredia, Faber, and Guerrero all made attempts, but only Guerrero was successful, and he drew much applause from the crowd. As Rompe Raja played, the football action began with an exhibition game from two Under-15 teams: the San Pedro Pirates, and A&B. Both teams were energized, but after many failed goal attempts, the game drew 0-0.

Ambergris Today

New Ambergris Stadium Officially Inaugurated To Promote Sports In San Pedro
The long-awaited inauguration of the San Pedro Ambergris Stadium on Ambergris Caye took place on Sunday, May 21, 2017, with much fanfare . Residents gathered to witness the cutting of the ribbon of this new project and wasted no time in making use of it. Pastor Clive Welch opened the ceremony with a short prayer. Mayor Daniel Guerrero expressed his sincere gratitude to those who have encouraged, promoted and participated in the sport of football: “From the San Pedro Football Field to Sacachispas and now the Hon. Louis Sylvester Sports Complex. It was from that old field that local football celebrities were born. They are local celebrities that now adorn our local hall of fame such as: Dimas, Spanish, Pancho Verde, Pelé, Steve, Chapo, Jaime, Panny Arceo, Chapin and more. Local football teams were: Los Atleticos, Espanoles, Los Diablos, Caribena, La Mafia, Ramon’s, Veterans, Mario Boys, Dolphins, my team Fido Rangers and much more.”

Belizeans Join Hands To Say ‘No’ To Filthy Fuels And Say Yes To Clean Energy
On May 20, 2017 at noon, Belizeans around the country joined hands on beaches, across bridges, along sea walls and in public areas to stand in solidarity against offshore oil development in Belize's economically important marine environment. Every year, activists and ocean-lovers host Hands Across the Sand events around the world to “draw a line in the sand,” and say “NO” to dirty fossil fuel projects, as well as call for a shift to clean, renewable energy like offshore wind and solar power. Every day, offshore oil accidents serve as grim reminders of just how deadly, dirty and dangerous the industry is and highlights the economic risks and environmental hazards posed by the activity to countries like Belize.

Misc Belizean Sources

Power wass out in Belize
but so as in Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Merida. Mexican grid is having problems.

Commonwealth Day celebrations in Belize City
The Embassy was honored to participate in the Commonwealth Day celebrations in Belize City Monday!

2017 International Day Against Homophobia
We were proud to join Empower Yourself Belize Movement for the 2017 International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. During his remarks, Charge d'Affaires, a.i. emphasized that LGBTI rights are human rights, and noted that advancing the fair treatment of all people has long been a cornerstone of American democracy.

Splashers
We will be painting from a picture once again this Thursday at canucks.

COMING TO BELIZE on FATHER's DAY
THE BIG FATHER'S DAY EXTRAVAGANZA @ RAMADA POOLSIDE FEATURING A NIGHT CALL TEMPTED TO TOUCH.

New GOB Controlled Fuel Prices
Effective Date: 24th May 2017. Regular goes down 39 cents to $9.87 a gallon. Kerosene also goes down.

Pok ta pok ball game
A few great action shots of the amazing pok ta pok ball game yesterday. The ball weighs 9lbs and is made purely of rubber! What a great day!

May 15th - May 21st , 2017 Belize Fishing Report
Very enjoyable week with a lot of great fishing. Sarah and Seth were the hosts of this week’s Orvis group. Lots of bonefish and plenty of laughter as we all had a wonderful time getting to know one another. Family and friends are what lodge life is all about; and everyone walked away with new friends and big smiles. Always a treat seeing new faces!

Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Workshop 2017
Day 1 of Disaster Preparedness Workshop - May 23rd & 24th, 2017.

Channel 7

UDP Chairman Forms BAC, Belizeans Against Courtenay
The Senate Inquiry into Immigration continues tomorrow - and the political rivalries are heating up. Today, UDP Chairman Alberto August put out a release on his Facebook page announcing the formation of a new ad hoc association to remove Eamon Courtenay as a Senator. It's called BAC, or "Belizeans Against Courtenay" and August says, quote, "The primary actions and objectives of BAC is to peacefully protest against Eamon Courtenay's actions and to call for his removal from the Senate." At last week's Wednesday hearing August was one of those hecklers in the gallery throwing words at Courtenay, even directing insults at his deceased father. On Friday - when August made it known that he was going all out against Courtenay - the PUP Senator said he doesn't acknowledge his existence:

Media Tells Senate Probe Chairman, Keep Yellowman Out
And while August is playing political games, the media isn't playing any games with the UDP hacks and hecklers who threatened and assaulted a journalist and two camera men at last week's hearings. Today, nine media houses - including this one - signed unto a letter addressed to Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee Aldo Salazar asking that Brian Yellowman Audinett be banned from the Senate hearings. The letter says, quote, "such aggression toward the media should not be countenanced while we are performing our duty and in the National Assemblyâ€¦We therefore call on you and the Committee to disallow Audinett from returning to witness the proceedings in the gallery as he has grossly violated the sanctity of the National Assembly, which he himself servesâ€¦.an attack of this nature on the media, if left unchecked, would speak ill of our country's commitment to a free, fair and democratic society...."

PSU Council Of Management Suspends President Eldred Neal
The Public Service Union's Council of Management has voted to suspend President Eldred Neal. The decision was taken at a meeting on Friday in Belmopan where we are told eleven of the 12 members present voted in favor of a suspension. There are 15 members on the council of management and 9 of them had already signed a letter calling for him to resign. But, Neal himself was not at the meeting, and so could not make a case in his own defence. That gives him grounds to challenge the council's decision on the basis of natural justice, and we are told he will do just that. Since his presidency is now being challenged under the constitution of the union, Neal is expected to lawyer up.

Evangelicals Call Out Cops for “Corrupt Law Enforcement”
And while Union President Eldred Neal is isolated, Pastor Luis Wade is anything but. Today, the National Evangelical Association of Belize - known as NEAB - gave a stout and spirited defense of the popular talk show host. The statement says, quote, "NEAB and its 250+ national churches expresses its shock and outrage at the bogus and biased charges brought againstâ€¦Wade." It sternly admonishes the police, saying, quote "This type of biased and corrupt 'law enforcement' happens repeatedly and is part of why crime, violence, injustice, and corruption continue to be the order of the day in our nationâ€¦Police have (embraced) multiple bogus witnesses version of an event that never occurred." And then it hammers down with a rebuke, "Nonetheless, the whole event is recorded on video and in the Chronicles of God to Whom we will all give answer!"

Women Drowns Near Bermudian Landing, Body Recovered 48 Hours Later
And while there were no murders reported countywide over the long weekend, there were two drowning. The first we'll report on tonight happened on Sunday afternoon, when Denia Zelaya and her common-law-husband, police constable Dion Bellini went for a swim in the river at Bermudian Landing. It was a great day for a swim, but the river has raging currents, and she was pulled under. She never resurfaced and, today, two days later, our news team was there to report on the recovery effort. Here's Alex Courtenay with the story... Alex Courtenay reporting: As the summer rolls around, many Belizeans find themselves trying to beat the heat at the nearest river. Denia Zelaya, her common-law-husband and a few friends were doing just that on Sunday at a popular swim spot in Bermudian Landing, but the fun didn't last long.

Cops Say Drinking Led To Drowning in Valley Of Peace
And there is another drowning to report - and it happened in the Cayo District near Valley of Peace. Police say 26 year old Salvadoran farmer Jose Alberto Guiterrez had been drinking on Saturday and went swimming in the Colorado Lagoon near the Santander Factory. But he never returned home after his weekend dip. Police found his body floating in the lagoon on Sunday evening around 5:00. An onsite post mortem was done and it confirmed that he drowned, there were no signs of violence or foul play on his body.

Man With Belizean Roots Murders In “The Chi”
The US city of Chicago has recorded 235 murders so far for 2017, and tonight the news is about a Belizean-American with Belmopan roots who was killed there over the weekend. 35 year old Jermaine James, who is known as, "Jayblood Rasta" was stabbed to death in Chatham, a community in Chicago's Southside on Sunday night. News reports from Chicago say that at 11:48 James was in the 400 block of East 79th Street when he got into an argument with another man. The other man took out a knife and stabbed him multiple times all over his body.

Mother Says Principal Humiliated Her Son For Long Hair
A parent in Orange Walk is accusing her son's principal of humiliating and bullying him in front of the whole school. Evangelina Alamilla says she failed in cutting her 12 year old son's hair - and because of that the Principal at Solomon's Seven Day Adventist Primary School allegedly made an example of the standard four student at assembly time. Here's how his mother put it when she spoke to our colleagues at CTV-3: Evangelina Alamilla - Claims Principal Bullied Child: "She bullied my son because of his long hair. He told me, mom I need to cut my hair, I told him yes son. I am a working mom and I told him Saturday ill cut your hair. My kid came to school, in front of the assembly.

Duun Street Home Invasion At Candy House
A Belize City family continues to recover from a brutal home invasion in which gunmen stormed into their homes, and robbed them of thousands of dollars' worth of jewelry. It happened at Michael Acosta's Dunn Street home on Friday evening, sometime around 6 p.m., when he was at home with his common-law wife and their 2-year-old son. 2 men visited pretending to be interested in buying ice cream. Seen here, the family sells a number of treats under the name, "KY Kandy Krush". Thinking that the men were legitimate customers, Acosta opened the door to serve them, and that's when one of them pointed a gun at him. That assailant immediately kicked him and started to assault him, injuring his nose and mouth.

ITVET Shows Off
This week is Technical and Vocational Training week, and the 6 different ITVET schools from the different districts will be celebrating it with different activities. Today, though, they decided to team up in Belize City Open Day held at the Freetown Compound. It's a location that viewers may know very well, but today, the management and the student body invited the public in for demonstration. As they do every year, the ITVET puts on a sort of expo to show the diverse education that takes place there throughout the school year.

ITVET’s Taking The Business Challenge
Our news team also checked out the other event being held simultaneously on the ITVET Compound. It's called the ITVET Entrepreneurship Challenge, and the idea behind it is for each of the different district branches to compete against each other. They each have to come up with a product using the programs taught at the schools, and they must demonstrate that these products can create its own market niche to be successful. We took a look at a few of the product entries, and here's what they told us:

Cops Caught Kyle For Jacking Security Guard
Last week Kyle Latchman was released from police custody on bail after being charged with drug trafficking and three other offences. Today, Latchman was back in court, but this time he was charged with robbery. According to reports, a Police Mobile Unit pulled up to the corner of Dean and Regent Streets on Saturday and saw two men sprinting down the street. The cops pursued the men and caught up to one of them who they later learned was Latchman. Police said that Latchman refused to answer when asked why he was running however, not long after, security guard George Zetina appeared on the scene. Zetina told the officers that Latchman and two others had just robbed him of his cell phone, $100 cash and some personal documents with what appeared to be a firearm.

Man Charged For Arson Of Stepfather’s Home In OW
On the news, it seems like at least once a week, we report on cases of alleged arson - but there's very rarely an arrest. And that's what makes tonight different. Forty five year old Roy Mangar is behind bars at the Belize Central Prison on an arson charge after he allegedly set his step-father's house on fire over the long weekend. It happened on Saturday night on "Chips Alley" in the Louisiana Area of Orange Walk Town. Around 7:30 56 year old Lincoln Pratt was at work when hiss neighbors ran to tell him that his 18 by 20 feet wooden house was on fire. Pratt told CTV-3 that his stepson had told him he would burn down the house as a form of retaliation for abuse:...

Molotov Thrown At Belama Home
And while Orange Walk cops say that is a clear case of arson, Belize City police are investigating what looks like an attempt to burn down a family's home using a Molotov cocktail. At around 3 a.m. on Sunday, police went to a home in Belama Phase one where they met the 28-year-old owner, Andrew Ferguson. He reported to police that his wife woke him up after someone broken broken some sort of glass inside the house. He immediately checked and found the front wall of his home on fire, and he noticed a broken bottle which had the strong scent of kerosene. Apparently, someone threw it at their home, and one of the walls was set ablaze. He managed to put it out quickly. Police don't know yet who threw the incendiary.

Conserving Antiquities In The Event Of A Disaster
Over the past three years, we've brought you extensive coverage of the Maya Antiquities Road show that's traveled to five states in the US . Right now it's in Dallas, Texas. And overtime it travels between museums, conservators go to great pains to package all the pieces to withstand any shocks on the road. But what if, these delicate pieces do get damaged, do they just become write offs? American Conservator Newberry says they can actually be salvaged. Newberry held a workshop in Belize today on how to protect the collection and recover it after damage. Courtney Weatherburne was there and has more details. Artifacts are fragile, they have to be carefully handled and properly stored. And when they are finally put out on display, they certainly can't be touched, sat on or tampered with.

Haylock For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge With 14 Year Old
Lord's Bank resident, Dennis Haylock, appeared in the Magistrate's Court today where he was charged with unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14 year old girl. The minor made a report along with her mother and a social worker. She claims that she and her cousin were walking down the Lord's Bank Road when Haylock approached and began walking with them. The cousin continued on her way home, and the minor said she went with Haylock to his house. She spent the night there, and they allegedly had sex the next day. The girl apparently spent another night at Haylock's house, after which her mother called the police and went to retrieve her. The girl was examined by a doctor, who certified that she was carnally known.

Taking a Hand Against Oil
It's called "Hands Across the Sand" and on Saturday at noon, residents of 12 communities gathered around the country and joined hands on beaches, across bridges, along sea walls and in public areas to stand in solidarity against offshore oil development in Belize's economically important marine environment. It's an annual event organized by OCEANA.

Channel 5

Media Writes to Have Senate Committee Chair Ban “Yellow Man”
Media houses, including this station, have endorsed a letter to the Chairman of the Senate Special Select Committee which condemns the unprecedented and unprovoked actions of members of the United [...]

Alberto August of Belizeans Against Courtenay Apologizes for Press Attacks
Chairman of the United Democratic Party, Alberto August, this afternoon told News Five he was taking full responsibility for the attack on members of the press last week at the [...]

August Says They Will Return to Wednesday’s Hearing
August called on Leader of the Opposition John Briceño to remove Courtenay from the Senate, a decision Briceño has said previously he will not make. Courtenay is seen as the [...]

Eamon Refuses to Engage August
Even before today’s interview, August appeared on the U.D.P.’s Wave Radio Morning Show on Friday. Not only did he reiterate his intention to return to Wednesday’s meeting, but he challenged [...]

NEAB Stands Up for Pastor Louis Wade
Turning to another incident involving the media…We note that there has been no official statement from G.O.B. in respect of the assault by U.D.P. operatives on Marisol Amaya and other [...]

Naturalized Belizean Drowns in Belize River; Second Drowning Reported in Cayo
Two persons drowned over the weekend in separate incidents in the Belize and Cayo Districts. In Bermudian Landing, in the Belize River Valley area, twenty-three-year-old Denia Zelaya was with her [...]

Belizean Stabbed to Death in Chicago
There is a report from Chicago that a Belizean was fatally stabbed over the weekend. The thirty-five-year-old Jermaine Jones, who also goes by the name “Rasta Jayblood,” lived in south [...]

Teacher’s House Damaged by Explosive
This extended holiday weekend saw two fire-related incidents. In Belize City, a teacher sustained minimal damage to his residence, but in Orange Walk, the home of a security guard was [...]

Dennis Haylock Charged for Unlawful Sex with Minor
A Belize City engineer is tonight on remand at the Belize Central Prison after he was accused by a fourteen-year minor of sexual abuse on April sixteenth of this year. [...]

Search Continues for Accused P.G. Killer Simon Lino
Punta Gorda police are still looking for Simon Lino, accused of last Wednesday’s brutal stabbing murder of popular musician Lascelle Martinez. Lino is believed to have fled to neighboring Guatemala; [...]

Calcutta Teen Tops CANTO Video Contest
There’s some good news…On the occasion of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day on May seventeenth, the Caribbean Association of National Telecommunications Operators (CANTO) has announced that a Belizean won [...]

Senate Committee to Visit Immigration Department in Belmopan
The Senate Inquiry into the corruption at the Immigration Department resumes this Wednesday. At least two persons are scheduled to testify before the Senate Special Select Committee. Now, the Belize [...]

What are Legal Rights of Committee’s Witnesses?
As the Senate Special Select Committee swims into deeper waters, questions are rising as to what rights do witnesses who appear before it have and do not have. Two of [...]

How to Cash In on Registering Intellectual Property Designs
Do you have a special design or invention that can make lives easier and make money too? Then pay attention to our next story. The Belize Intellectual Property Office (BELIPO) [...]

ITVET Hosts Open Day
Technical and Vocational Education has traditionally been a field dominated by males, but this year, the program is aggressively proposing to change that to include women. ITVET is holding activities [...]

Sports Monday with James Adderly
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. [Highlights of the weekend sporting activities...]

BELIZEANS JOIN HANDS TO SAY ‘NO’ TO FILTHY FUELS AND SAY YES TO CLEAN ENERGY
Residents across Twelve municipalities join hands as part of the Third Annual “Hands Across the Sand”. On May 20th at noon, Belizeans around the country joined hands on beaches, across bridges, along sea walls and in public areas to stand in solidarity against offshore oil development in Belize's economically important marine environment. Every year, activists and ocean-lovers host Hands Across the Sand events around the world to “draw a line in the sand,” and say “NO” to dirty fossil fuel projects, as well as call for a shift to clean, renewable energy like offshore wind and solar power.

CTV3

Principal Accused Of Bullying
An Orange Walk Primary School Principal is tonight under fire after allegations of bulling are being brought against her. Evangelina Alamilla, the mother of a twelve year old standard four student at the Solomon’s Seven Day Adventist Primary School, today contacted our news team and reported that the Principal of the School victimized her child in front of the entire student population. Evangelina Alamilla- concerned parent: “Last week Tuesday on the 16th my son came to school in the morning, which I have the fault and I admitted right, she bullied my son because of his long hair, he told me mom I need to cut my hair and I told him yes son, I am a working mom and told him Saturday I will cut your hair...”

Media Demands Yellow-man Not Be Permitted At Senate Hearing
Tomorrow’s Senate Select Committee hearing will be closely watched by the public. This is because, firstly as we have announced, the witness is slated to be Alvarine Burgess, the whistleblower who spilled out information about UDP politician Edmond Castro’s involvement in visa hustling from which he profited personally. Burgess and Castro have battled out the issue in Court, with Castro dropping the case against Burgess’ revelations, but Court trials are closed doors and without television cameras. The Senate hearings are prominently covered by all media houses including live coverage from us.

Father And Son Burglarize Mary Hill R.C. School
Police have detained a man and his son, a minor, after they were caught leaving the Mary Hill R.C. School compound in San Andres Village in the Corozal District last Wednesday. While you may think maybe they went for a PTA meeting, the duo was actually seen leaving the compound about 3 in the morning with a load of equipment in their hands. A Police patrol in the area stopped them and noticed that in hand they had laptops, projectors and other equipment, which authorities later realised was loot from a burglary they had committed at the school. Today we spoke to the acting-Principal at the school to find out how the burglars struck.

LOVE FM

Marvin Chac Pap Died of Cerebral Haemorrhage
Last Wednesday, May 17, Love News was at the Belize City Municipal Airstrip where the body of 18-year-old, Marvin Cristobal Chac Pap was being flown in after being found in the Ceibo Chico area. It is an incident that led to several erroneous reports in the Guatemalan media, casting aspersions at the Belizean soldiers. Brigadier […]

Belizean Man Killed in Chi-Town
A Belizean man was killed in Chicago, USA over the weekend. News reports emerging from the windy city are that 35 year old Jermaine James also known as “jay-blood” was fatally stabbed by another man. A news article states that James was ‘fatally stabbed late Sunday during an argument in the Chatham neighbourhood on the city’s […]

Student’s Future Uncertain Following Series of Incidents in Caye Caulker
A 16-year-old boy was detained over the weekend by police in Caye Caulker Village after the authorities had received reports of a crime in the making. The young boy was reportedly looking forward to graduation in the coming weeks and had already been accepted at a junior college in Belize City when the school’s principal […]

Indian National Dies in Road Incident in Placencia
A fatal traffic incident occurred on Friday night just before eleven o’clock in Placencia. According to the police, the incident occurred between miles twenty and twenty one on the Placencia Road. Upon arrival at the scene police saw a grey Toyota Forerunner on the side of the road with a red and black Honda Shaw […]

Preventing Further Disruptions at Senate Inquiry
The Special Senate Select Committee will convene tomorrow in Belmopan to continue its inquiry into the findings of the auditor general reports. Last week’s Senate Hearing had to be suspended after the UDP Chairman, Alberto August, Mace Bearer, Brian Audinett and other UDP operatives disrupted the proceedings. August promised to return every Wednesday to protest […]

Haylock Charged and Remanded for Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with Minor
Dennis Haylock, a resident of Lord’s Bank Village, was charged with unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl when he appeared today before the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith. Haylock was remanded into custody until August 18. On April 20, the girl, accompanied by her mother and a social worker, went to the police station in Ladyville […]

From Mahogany Street to Central Prison
Twenty-nine year old Kareem Gordon, a construction worker of 25 Casuarina Street, was sentenced to three years and fined ten thousand dollars today by the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith after he pled guilty to drug trafficking for 233 grams of cannabis. Gordon was busted around 4:30 p.m. on May 21. The police reported that they were […]

7th Chess Olympiad: Another Success for Players
On Saturday, a number of young persons gathered for the seventh chess Olympiad in Orange Walk Town. We have more in this report.

Bodybuilding Champion Announces Candidacy in Upcoming Elections
The countrywide municipal elections is about nine months away and as we told you some weeks ago, the call has gone out from the political parties for interested candidates. Today, well-known bodybuilder and five time champion, RigoVellos announced on social media that he will be entering the political arena. Vellos wrote, “Over the past weeks, […]

Men Went for Valuables Not Ice Cream
The home of a family in north side Belize City was invaded by two male persons on Friday night at around six thirty. Police were alerted of the incident on Dunn Street where they found 35-year-old, Michael Acosta injured to the nose and mouth after two men went to their front door asking to buy […]

PlusTV

Belizean fatally stabbed in his neighborhood in Chicago
“A 35-year-old Jermaine James a Belizean living in Chicago was fatally wounded on Sunday night. James was not too far from home when he met his demised. Chicago police said that the incident occurred just before midnight on Sunday in the Chatman neighborhood. On 79th Street, James got into an argum...

Media Wants YELLOWMAN Banned from Senate Gallery
Earlier today, Alberto August, the Chairman of the United Democratic Party (UDP) apologized to the media for the assault by House Mase Bearer, Brian “Yellowman” Audinett on the media which occurred immediately following the suspension of last week’s senate hearing on immigration and nationality. Th...

Evangelical Churches back Wade’s Version of events
The National Evangelical Association of Belize which represents over 250 churches across the Nation of Belize has issued a scalding press release directed at the Belize Police Department. The release is based on the incident involving Pastor Louis Wade Jr, PlusTV’s Managing Director, and Rober...

Jose Gutierrez drowns over the weekend in the Colorado Lagoon
On Sunday, 26-year-old Jose Alberto Gutierrez, a Salvadoran farmer, body was found floating down the Colorado lagoon in the Valley of Peace village. The Colorado lagoon is found between Valley of Peace and the sprawling Santender Property. Plusnews spoke with the Chairman of the Village, Juan Aria...

23 year old Denia Zelaya drowns at Black Howler Evolution Tour’s
And there is another drowning to report over the long weekend. On Monday afternoon, Dion Bellini who is a police officer, and his lover, 23-year-old Denia Zelaya left to have a fun-filled afternoon swimming at Black Howler Evolution Tour’s situated in Bermudian Landing village in the Belize Distri...

Man escapes with his life after being robbed
It was last week, Tuesday that we reported of a Good Samaritan that had stopped to render aid and lost his life as a result. Another Good Samaritan was repaid with evil for his kind deed, but this time, thankfully, he managed to escape with his life. According to police reports, yesterday 60 year ol...

Minor chopped 30 year old man
30-year-old Manuel Sho narrowly escaped death after sustaining chopped wounds. Sho reported to police that at approximately 2:48 p.m., yesterday 22 May, Monday afternoon, he was sitting on a picnic table by the Primary School in the Red Bank Village, when a 15 year old male student approached him wi...

The Guardian

Leaving No One Behind: Calling for Taiwan’s Participation in the 2017 World Health Assembly
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) calls on Belize’s support for Taiwan’s participation in World Health Assembly (WHA) that seeks to benefit all humankind. Nine years ago, having garnered tremendous international support including Belize, Taiwan was invited by World Health Organization (WHO) to attend the 62nd WHA as an observer. Since then, Taiwan’s active participation in WHA and WHO technical meetings has improved disease control in Taiwan and around the world, as Taiwan is committed to assisting Belize and other countries that face health challenges to fulfill WHO’s vision.

The Reporter

Police charge man for setting father’s house on fire
Police have charged Roy Bennett Mangar, 45, of Santa Maria Street, Orange Walk with “arson”following a fire that destroyed his father’s house. Lincoln Pratt, 58, a security guard of Chips Alley, Louisiana area, Orange Walk town told police that he was on duty at around 9:15 Saturday night when he heard that his son was dismantling his 18 by 20 plywood house. Pratt said he rushed home to discover Mangar setting the house on fire.

Breaking Belize News

UDP chairman leads movement against Senator Eamon Courtenay
Today Chairman of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Alberto August announced the official formation of a group named Belizeans Against Courtenay (BAC). August, in a statement today says: “…the time has come for the Belizean people to raise in protest of the actions of Eamon Courtenay who, in selfish furtherance of the interests of the opposition People’s United Party and his Lord, Michael Ashcroft, is hell bent on unleashing hardships on the Belizean People…”.

Sixty-year-old man robbed on highway
On Monday May 22, police responded to a robbery at San Isidro Village, Toledo District and visited the area where Mercedes De Jesus Madril, a 60-year-old Guatemalan unemployed of Trio Village was seen along the Southern Highway.

Salvadoran man drowns in Colorado lagoon
On Sunday May 21, shortly after 5 p.m. police were informed of a body floating in the Colorado lagoon not far away from Santander sugar factory. Police responded and discovered the decomposing body of 26-year-old Salvadoran national Jose Alberto Gutierrez, in the lagoon.

Student arrested for random chopping incident
Yesterday at around 2:48 p.m., police received information of a chopping incident in Red Bank village in the Stann Creek district and visited the area. Manuel Sho, 30, of Red Bank Village reported that a 15-year-old male student approached him while he was sitting on a picnic table by the Primary School.

Statement on Pastor Louis Wade Jr.’s Wrongful Charge
Today, the National Evangelical Association of Belize (NEAB) issued a statement saying that the association and its over 250 national churches express shock and outrage at the bogus and biased charges brought against Pastor Louis Wade Jr.

Mr. Belize has sights set on Corozal Mayoral seat
Internationally-recognised and award winning bodybuilder, Rigo Vellos, officially announced his bid for Mayor of Corozal Town in the next municipal elections scheduled for March 7th, 2018. Vellos, who is preparing to defend the Mr. Belize bodybuilding championship title for a sixth consecutive time in October this year, launched his Mayoral campaign under the theme: “Strong Leadership for Corozal Town”.

Belize among most peaceful countries to visit in 2017
An article from the Dailystar travel newsite lists out some of the most peaceful countries to travel in 2017. Belize is listed among the seven safest destinations of 2017 to visit.

Police seeking motorcycle helmet thief
On Saturday, May 20, a resident from Spanish Lookout reported to police that a man entered his yard with the intention to steal a motorcycle. The man realized that he couldn’t move it, so he stole the motorcycle helmet. The culprit was caught on camera.

Blogs

Belize in July
July is one of the best months to enjoy a vacation in Belize. With fewer crowds and most resorts and hotels offering deep discounts, July is a wonderful time to visit. Air carriers in the United States offer affordable rates on direct flights from several major American cities, and there is plenty to do and see in Belize.

Road to Cayo: Restaurants, Murals and My Hotel in San Ignacio, Belize
Just a few days ago, I made my way out to Western Belize. 91 miles as the crow flies but from the far north east of the country almost to the western border with Guatemala. Simply put: less than 100 miles from reef to jungle. It’s AMAZING how landscapes can change so quickly in Belize. My trip: the pink circle to pink double circle. I was spending a night in San Ignacio town and getting up early to head into the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve (blue star) – an area like no other in Belize BUT I’ll tell you about that in a future blog post. There is a flight via Tropic Air that will quickly take you the distance. I went the scenic aka the budget route. Golf cart ride from 7 miles North Ambergris Caye to San Pedro Town (40 mins). San Pedro Belize Water Taxi ride from San Pedro Town to Belize City (1 hour 15 mins) – I took the 8:30am boat. Express bus from Belize City to San Ignacio (2 hours 15 minutes).

International Sources

BC - Earth - We have still not found the missing link between us and apes
About 150 years ago, when Charles Darwin published his theory of evolution through natural selection, scientists began to accept that humans – for all our sophisticated behaviour – belong to the same family tree as all other animals. The idea led to two inescapable conclusions. First, our species is not an only child. Somewhere out there in the natural world, there is at least one species of animal that is more closely related to humans than any other – what biologists would come to call humanity's "sister species". Secondly, and as importantly, our species has a long-lost parent. It stands to reason that if humanity has one or more sisters, then these siblings must have shared the same parent species at some point in prehistory. Evolutionary biologists call this species the "last common ancestor" (LCA). Most people know it by a non-scientific name: the "missing link".

14 OVERLOOKED COUNTRIES NOT ENOUGH AMERICANS VISIT
Welp, guess this headline really screws things up. But for at LEAST the next year these destinations will be relatively off the radar, untouched, underdeveloped, under-Americanized, and about every other turn-on word for adventurous travelers. It's fine if you like to sit on the beach at your all-inclusive and sip on that Bud Light. But if you need us, we'll be visiting these countries, with very few other Americans. You know, until we ruin them with this headline. BELIZE: Why you need to go: Sun seekers will love the sandy cayes that run along the Belize Barrier Reef in the Caribbean Sea (a delight for divers, as well). Hikers will find mountains; tubers will coast along rivers that run through caverns. And those simply Indiana Jonesing for adventure can traverse the jungle to Mayan ruins.

Three new mini thorn snails described from Georgia (USA), Belize and Panama
Although computer tomography (CT) is widely used in medicine, its application in micro snail identification is still at the pioneering stage. However, Dr Adrienne Jochum from the Naturhistorisches Museum der Burgergemeinde Bern (NMBE), Switzerland and her interdisciplinary team of German and Swiss scientists (Dr. Alexander M. Weigand, University of Duisburg-Essen, Estee Bochud and Thomas Inäbnit, NMBE and the University of Bern, Dorian D. Dörge, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Dr. Bernhard Ruthensteiner, Zoologische Staatssammlung Muenchen, Dr. Adrien Favre, Leipzig University, Gunhild Martels and Dr. Marian Kampschulte, Justus-Liebig University Giessen) have recently applied it in their research, now published in the journal ZooKeys. As a result of their revolutionary approach, the scientists report three new thorn snail species - tiny, colourless and highly fragile creatures that measure less than 2 mm and belong to the genus Carychium.

The Great Blue Hole e le isole del Belize
Non è un miraggio, bensì realtà: un’enorme voragine blu nel bel mezzo del Mar dei Caraibi, sogno di ogni subacqueo. Si tratta del Great Blu Hole, un atollo situato a circa 60 chilometri da Belize City e circondato da una fantastica barriera corallina, facente parte del più ampio “Barrier Reef Reserve System”, un sito dichiarato Patrimonio Mondiale dell’Umanità dall’UNESCO.

Safe places to travel in 2017: Seven destinations with low threat of terrorism
The recent string of terror attacks – the most recent of which happened at an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena on Monday night – has left everyone worried about their own safety. In the past few years Brits have cancelled holidays popular hotspots including Spain, France and Turkey, following atrocities. Here we reveals seven destinations that are considered safe from terror in 2017: 6. Belize. Belize is one of the best places in the world to go scuba diving thanks to its famous Great Blue Hole.

Caleb Orozco honored by OutRight Action International
OutRight Action International honored Caleb Orozco—the man who successfully challenged Belize's sodomy law and won—with the Felipa De Sousa Award at the organization's annual gala, "A Celebration of Courage," a press release stated. OutRight's award ceremony ( held in the United Nations exclusive Delegates Dining room ) was attended by more than 300 activists, human-rights defenders, diplomats and dignitaries. The evening's host—performer and artist Mx. Justin Vivian Bond—shared the stage with presenter Congressman Mark Takano and honorees Orozco, Unibam Belize, OutSpoken award recipient Logo TV and OutStanding Awardee Blanche Wiesen Cook, prize-winning biographer of Eleanor Roosevelt. Gay men's health and life magazine FS has revealed that many minority individuals believe there has been little progress toward fighting against racism in the gay community, GayTimes.co.uk reported. A survey of more than 850 gay men showed that 75 percent of Black gay men, 81 percent of South East and East Asian gay men, 86 percent of South Asian gay men and 78 percent of mixed-ethnicity gay men have experienced racism on the gay scene. Other eye-opening figures revealed that 85 percent of Black men admitted to feeling sexualized or objectified on the gay scene, while 100 percent of Arab gay men said they thought the gay community had a problem with racism. The full survey is at TheFactSite.org .uk.

New Database Aims to Track Rights Violations of Caribbean's Most Vulnerable Communities
The Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition (CVC) and the Dominican Republic-based Centro de Orientacion e Investigacion Integral (COIN) recently launched the Caribbean's first online database documenting human rights violations. The Shared Incident Database, or SID for short, aims to provide supporting data for and facilitate the work of those advocating safer and healthier conditions for the region's most vulnerable. The SID will track incidents affecting people living with HIV, sex workers, drug users, men who have sex with men, transgender people, marginalised youth, migrants and inmates — all communities that are stigmatised and frequently suffer from discriminatory practices.

Videos

People claim police brutality in Santa Elena, 3min. Bad experience at Santa Elena foot ball field..Police Pulling out gun an so in font of kids!!.. So disappointed!!

2017 Belize, 13min. Scuba diving at Blackbird Caye Resort, Turneffe Atolle.

GOB Takes New Approach to Early Childhood Development, 6min. From May 16th to 17th, stakeholders and partners in early childhood development met at the Ramada Hotel in Belize City for their 2nd Biennial Conference. Our team joined the group at day two of their event to learn more.

Beyond the Horizon: 2017-Belize, 1min. Yesterday and today we had great turnout at our free medical event in Dangriga! We will be providing vision, dental, women's health, family/general medicine, dermatology and more! We are open every day until June 1st. The lines may be long, so don't wait until the last day!

Fishing in Belize, 1.5min.

Belize tunnel diving with sharks, 2.5min. Belize dive trip, 100ft dive and ran out of air

Belize Vo-Tech: 2016 Seniors receive Diplomas, 2.5min. The 2016 Seniors receive their Diplomas at the Belize Vo-Tech graduation ceremony.

Catching a Black-tailed Indigo snake at Macal River, Belize, 3.5min. Anant Deshwal catching a Black-tailed Indigo snake on study abroad course on Coastal Caribbean Biology. The snake was captured during an animal biodiversity survey at Macal river in Cayo district, Belize. This Study Abroad course from University of Arkansas was lead by two renowned ecologists Dr. K. G. Smith, Distinguished Professor at University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and Dr. Ragupathy Kannan, professor at University of Arkansas, Fort Smith.

Wells Scholars Belize Trip 2017, 5min.

Belize Christian Academy: Spiritual Emphasis Week 2017, 12min. As we recap and reflect on Spiritual Emphasis week, we present to you a sneak-peek into how it all happened. Enjoy!

Belize 2017, 4min.

May 23, 2017

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials

Misc Belizean Sources

A Call Out for Peace to the Belizean Black Youth!
by Bilal Morris The Garifuna International Indigenous Film Festival (GIIFF) is the only living cultural film festival in the United States that is founded and produced by a Garifuna Belizean woman, Freda Sideroff. And last night in the premiering and screening of yours truly documentary film on the Belize gang crisis called,"Abdul Marin Nunez & The Belize Gang Crisis", it was revealed to me in some of the most moving and spiritual ways, the passionate work that goes into this annual visual arts masterpiece. Film Festivals like this is a medium through which the visual artist protest and resist against all forms of oppression so as to bring the struggle of a people and cause to the forefront of an audience who may not necessarily know. It provides a humble outlet of expression to the voiceless and the marginalized peoples of the world who cannot find a place in the mainstream media. It is service to the underserved of a nation and the power to change.

Commonwealth Day Monday
Still celebrating the weekend in Belize. Observing Commonwealth Day (Sovereign's Day) in lieu of May 24th. Belizeans choose to honor Queen Victoria's Birthday.

Son burns down father's house
On 20.05.17 at 9:20 p.m., Orange Walk Police received information of a house on fire at Chips Alley, Louisiana area, Orange Walk Town and visited the location where they saw an 18 feet by 20 feet plywood house with zinc roofing engulfed in flames. The blaze was eventually put out by fire fighters; however, the house and its content were completely destroyed.

Woman drowns
Police Constable Dion Bellini said that at 1:45 p.m on Sunday, May 21st, he and his common-Law wife , 23 year old Denia Joselyn Zelaya, went for a swim at Black Howler Evolution Tour`s situated in Bermudian village. While swimming together, Zelaya was caught by the water current and though he tried he could not help her.

The Toyota Chiquibul Tour was conducted this weekend
We are grateful to Belize Diesel & Equipment Co. Ltd and Toyota owners that made this event successful. FCD thanks PACT, Forest Department and Institute of Archaeology for their support.

Lost iPhone on Caye Caulker
Good morning guys, asking for help. Please if anyone find a iPhone 7plus rose gold 128gig. Please return, lost this morning. Reward will be giving

Poets Corner: Censorship!
By Abdulmajeed Nunez. They aim to silence the voices of hope Anyone who's vociferous and says nope To the raping and pillaging our the countries resource They’ve dragged Moses name through the courts They arrested Jihad for a roach Arrested Geovannie and Fitz on false report The labeled Audrey persona non grata They arrest Luis Wade pan pure propaganda Even I was called out by the education minista

New mural at Shipstern Conervation & Management Area
We are very happy to present you the new masterpiece which stands on one of the walls of our new Visitor Center! It pictures a perspective of the different ecosystems of Shipstern, from the Yucatan dry forest to the Mangrove Savannah, the Shipstern Lagoon, including emblematic representatives of the particular Fauna and Flora occuring in the reserve. Do you recognize some of them? Thank you very much to Chuy Carillo and Chuy Arts and his assistants, all talented local artists from Sarteneja who realised this beautiful painting"

Bandits Host Tiger Sharks
The Bandits are hosting the Tiger Sharks this Thursday. They need to win this game to make it back to San Pedro for the last game of the season. Go Bandits. "Game 2 of the Finals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's going down next Thursday at the University of Belize Gymnasium in the Nation's Capital, come out and support your home boys Belmopan Bandits Elite Team as we go up against 2 time champs San Pedro Tiger Sharks to see who will be the 2017 NEBL Champions. You sure don't wanna miss this one! PRE SALE tickets available from Tuesday, May 23rd to midday Thursday, 25th May for $20.Call 633-5362 or visit 17 Ambergris Ave."

The Reporter

Traffic accident on Placencia road claims one life
A man who resided in Maya Beach, Stann Creek is dead after the motorcycle he was driving reportedly slammed into a vehicle on the Placencia road on Saturday. The incident happened between miles 20 and 21 on the Placencia road and involved a grey four-door Toyota 4 Runner and a Honda Shadow motorcycle. It claimed the life of Shams Penthod Moose, 45, an Indian national of Maya Beach.

Your blood type may determine how you die
People with a non-O blood group have a slightly increased risk of heart attack and stroke, a recent study suggests. The research conducted in The Netherlands shows that the reason for this could be because lower levels of a blood-clotting protein are present in people with type O blood, and higher in A, B and AB blood. It found that people with the blood group, AB (the rarest kind), were the most vulnerable. They have 23 percent more chances of suffering heart disease, and people with blood type A also have higher cholesterol levels.

New study shows rising sea levels put Caribbean coastal cities and towns in peril
Rising sea levels have placed some 4.2 million people in small islands in the Caribbean and Pacific states in flood-prone areas, according to the findings of a new study. The research called: “A Blue Urban Agenda: Adapting to Climate Change in the Coastal Cities of Caribbean and Pacific Small Island Developing States, was commissioned by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). It reveals that in addition to coastal erosion, rising sea levels are expected to negatively impact economic output and employment. It goes further to state that rising tides can also cause governments’ debt to increase.

Belizean stabbed to death in Chicago
There is an unofficial but reliable report that a Belizean was stabbed to death late Sunday night or early this morning in South side Chicago. The victim, identified only as “Rasta Jayblood”, 35, is originally from Belmopan but lived in Chicago. He was the son of Dianne Hall.

Young woman drowns in Bermudian Landing
A young woman has drowned in the Belize River in Bermudian Landing near the Baboon Sanctuary. The incident happened on Sunday afternoon and claimed the life of Denia Zelaya, 23, a naturalized Belizean who lived on Cemetery Road, Belize City. Police issued information earlier today that Police Constable Dion Bellini reported that he and Zelaya, his common-law wife, went swimming at Black Howler Evolution Tours in Bermudian Landing village when strong currents swept Zelaya.

Breaking Belize News

Honduran woman drowns in Belize River
Today around 1:45 p.m., police visited an area near the Black Howler Evolution tour in Bermudan Landing, where police constable, Dion Bellini reported that he and his common-law wife 23-year-old Denia Joselyn Zelaya, a naturalized Belizean of Cemetery Road, Belize City went for a […]

Belama home vandalized and set on fire, no injuries or major damage
According to police reports, yesterday morning around 3:10, police visited Starfish Crescent, Belama Phase I, Belize City where cops met Andrew Ferguson, a 28-year-old teacher who reported that he was awakened by his wife who said someone had broken glass in the house. When […]

Belize City man busted for drug trafficking
Yesterday around 4:30 p.m., police conducting motorcycle patrol on Mahogany Street, Belize City, searched Kareem Gordon, a 29-year-old construction worker of Causarina Street, Belize City and found a plastic bag on him. Inside the bag, police found 233 grams of cannabis. Gordon has since […]

Elderly Stann Creek retiree robbed of gold chain
Last night around 10:10, Dangriga Police responded to reports of a robbery at the residence of Derrick Peters, 68 year old retiree. Police visited Peters home on St. Vincent street in Dangriga where cops saw Peters with a cut wound to the left arm, […]

Son sets fathers house on fire
On Saturday, May 20, around 9:20 p.m., Orange Walk Police received information of a house on fire at Chips Alley, Louisiana area, Orange Walk town. Police visited the location and saw an 18 x 20 plywood house with zinc roof, engulfed in flames. The blaze […]

Four busted for robbing $27 from Chinese shop
Yesterday police visited the New Hope Restaurant situated at the corner of Pigeon and Partridge street in Ladyville Village where Jia Hua Li, 24 year old naturalized Belizean, reported that at 11:12 a.m., a dark complexion man with dreads and a small hand gun […]

Woman drowns in Belize River; Her body is still missing
Yesterday, police received reports that a 20 year old woman drowned in the Belize River. According to reports, the incident happened near the Baboon Sanctuary in Bermudian Landing. The woman is a naturalized Belizean originally from Honduras and BBN has been informed that her family […]

Blogs

It’s all about the Salt Life! Fishing in San Pedro is a must!
What’s better than getting the ‘catch of the day’ at a coastal Belizean restaurant? Catching it yourself! Fresh seafood cannot be beat, and many restaurants on the island are happy to cook up your catch of the day. Of course, this means ‘WE ARE GOING FISHING’! My favorite fishing adventure takes me deep sea. Just a group of friends or family on a boat in the Caribbean waters, away from the protection of the reef. Here is where you land the real big fish – the trophies of the sea: Marlins, Dorados and Wahoos! It isn’t for everyone; not only is it a waiting game but reeling in your catch is quite a challenge. However, once that big fish lands in the boat, the feeling of accomplishment – and thoughts of the dishes that await – well, it’s pretty priceless!

A Belizean Diaspora Perspective By: Debbie Curling
Belizeans at home and abroad must begin to realize that despite the fact that time, space and location separates us, we have a shared identity and culture that makes us stronger together than separately. REMEMBERING is what heals: remembering our cultural traditions, our enthusiasm for sports, our passion for politics, our very good food, our Belizean music in all its varieties, our childhood proclivity for hopping fences to steal mangoes and craboo, riding our bikes to fetch buckets of water at the pipe stand, and many more. Oh yes! And playing bruk makachistah, bruk me bak! Funnily enough bruk makachistah is full of symbolism and meaning as it applies to our Belizean cultural heritage, personalities, attitudes, and our strength in the face of adversity. With hands akimbo and chest pumping, the entire game, if you will, is premised on defiance and a dare; a challenge that if you think you can bruk my bak, try it!

Why You Have to Visit San Ignacio Belize on Your Vacation
Originally a small village of logging camps and chicle farmers, San Ignacio and its twin town of Santa Elena have grown to become a thriving metropolitan area in the western part of the country. Close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tikal just over the border in Guatemala as well as several of Belize’s most prominent Mayan ruins, San Ignacio is a popular tourist destination. San Ignacio is one of Belize’s most diverse urban areas, with Mestizos, Creoles, Lebanese, Mennonite and Chinese indigenous populations calling the area home.

Caye Caulker (Belize) - Top Tips Before You Visit Caye Caulker
Measuring just five miles north and south and less than a mile across, Caye Caulker is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Belize. Less commercial and urbanized than its larger sister island of Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker offers a spectacular tropical island experience at very affordable prices. A few restaurants on the island provide fresh food and cocktails. Originally the destination of choice for artists, musicians and backpackers, today Caye Caulker still exudes a very funky, laid-back approach to life epitomized by its unofficial slogan of “Go Slow.”

International Sources

Do Bidets Save Forest and Water Resources?
Popular everywhere except North America, where Americans use 36.5 billion rolls of toilet paper annually, switching to bathroom bidets could save some 15 million trees. To those who say that bidets waste water, advocates counter that the amount is trivial compared to how much water we use to produce toilet paper in the first place. Thomas points out that toilet paper is also a public nuisance in that it clogs pipes and adds a significant load onto city sewer systems and water treatment plants.

No Tropical Development Is Expected Across The Atlantic, Caribbean & Gulf Of Mexico For The Rest Of This Month
Current indications are that the chance for tropical development are nearly zero for at least the next 7 to 10 days, if not longer. Environmental conditions across much of the Atlantic, all of the Gulf of Mexico and all of the Caribbean are highly unfavorable due to strong westerly and northwesterly wind shear. Obviously, I did not believe the GFS model’s forecast over the weekend of a tropical cyclone forming in the western Caribbean and moving into the Gulf of Mexico in about 10 days from now. This is something that the GFS model seems to always forecast this time of year and given the unfavorable conditions across the western Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, it is a model forecast that should not be believed. In addition, verification statistics reveal that the GFS model currently has a 25 percent verification rate, which means that the model is currently only correct 25 percent of the time. On the other hand, the European model guidance has a current 75 percent verification rate, which means the European model has more credence and believability right now. Keep this in mind when looking at the GFS model guidance.

Bethlehem Middle School students sell international artworks to send kids to school in Uganda and Belize
The Bethlehem Central Middle School Helping Hands Club is holding its annual International Art Auction to send impoverished children to school in Uganda and Belize on Thursday, May 25, at 6:30 p.m. in the school library. This year, they have more art to sell than ever before. BCMS Social Studies teacher Bill Reilly runs “The Global Coalition for Peace Education and Cultural Awareness”, an internet based project that connects schools and students around the world. Twelve years ago, one of the schools connected with the project was a student community school in a rainforest village in Belize that was run by the late Michael Casey, brother of Dan Casey from Perfect Blend in Delmar, and his wife Jillian.

Gospel on forbidden radio
Evangelical radio broadcasts helped Henry and Tina Redekopp understand the gospel. Now the couple are doing the same for others, operating a Low German radio station, De Stemm (The Voice), for the 3,700 Old Colony Mennonites in Belize. “We both grew up in the Old Colony church setting, so we’re very familiar with the theology they have,” Henry Redekopp said in a May 15 interview. De Stemm Radio, which began broadcasting in April 2016, reaches the Reinlander Mennoniten Gemeinde community in Shipyard, Indian Creek, Little Belize and New Land with music, teaching and tips on cultural interaction. “Our culture is very isolated . . . very limited in outside influence,” Henry Redekopp said. Most of the men speak Low German and some English or Spanish. Most of the women only speak Low German. Many people are illiterate.

Climate change and flooding threaten 4.2 million people
A new study by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) estimates that 4.2 million people in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean and in the Pacific are living in areas that are prone to flooding due to rising sea levels. In addition to coastal erosion, rising sea levels are expected to negatively impact economic output and employment and could aggravate inflation and cause an increase in Government debt according to the study A Blue Urban Agenda: Adapting to Climate Change in the Coastal Cities of Caribbean and Pacific Small Island Developing States. “Caribbean and Pacific coastal cities are on the frontlines of climate change,” said Michael Donovan, Senior Urban Specialist at the IDB, co-author of the study.

Videos

San Pedro Diablo Beach Bar - Belize, 3min. Enjoying my time at one of the finest bar / water park only at Diablo Beach Bar. The drinks are awesome and the view is amazing to relx on a hot day.

Belize trip 2017- Gopro hero 5, 4min.

Helping Hand, 3min. Thank you to all who showed up today to make a reality possible for a lady and her kids who are living in a Zink tent . Tha is to Sulph Moses Rollin Powery Abdul Marin Nunez Karen Sharon Banner Bigjunn GWaff Sounds Howard and the gentleman who allowed us to build the house in his yard Gods love and favor be upon you all for he has seen the goodness of your hearts . The day we as Belizeans look out for each other and love our neighbours as we do ourselves and we start feeling our brothers and sisters struggles and take action this world will be different .

Music Week Digicell Mega Stage, 1.5min.

Mayan Chant, 4min. I was recently in Belize and visited the Mayan ruins at Xunantunich. Xunantunich is an Ancient Maya archaeological site in western Belize, about 70 miles west of Belize City, in the Cayo District. The Mayan Civilization thrived for hundreds of years, but during a multi-year drought, they got the idea that the gods wanted human sacrifices in return for rain. They went insane with this idea, and destroyed their society. I took the photos in this video in Early March 2017. I manipultaed the images to reflect the dark beauty of the Mayan heritage. I wrote the music that underlies the images, using as inspiration the Garifuna drumming that is native to Belize. Enjoy!

PAINTBALL ZONE BELIZE -DJTRAV PROD., 1.5min. VENTURA PAINTBALL ZONE IN BELIZE. - DJTRAV PROD. GROUP OF FRIENDS, AND FAMILY EXPERIENCING THE RUSH OF ADRENALINE!

Loggerhead Turtle in Belize, 1.5min. Little did she know that it was Loggerhead mating season in Belize, but apparently, Bridget seems to resemble an attractive female Loggerhead.

Sailing from Belize to Roatan, 3.5min. 4 days 2 Catamarans 15 person charter sailing adventure Included: A large pod of dolphins, countless boobies and other cool wildlife at Light House Reef, snorkeling the Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye wall before an overnight ocean crossing to Roatan.

Belize 2016, 2.5min. Family vacation in Belize, December 2016.

Belize Trip, 36min. My journey through Southern Belize. Compilation of the flight in, a scenic drive through Punta Gorda, swimming in the caves, and jumping off waterfalls.

May 22, 2017

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials

The San Pedro Sun

Wolfe’s Woofer: Did You Find It?
“It’s the Melody!” I said to Sherry. “Is that my grandsons that you have with you?” “It sure is,” Melody said, giving me a hug. “Say hi to your grandpa, boys.” Davin said, “Hi, grandpa,” and little Grayson mumbled something that could have been about grandpa. We sat on the porch and talked until Grayson said, “Ma, I got to go to go pee.” I opened the door for him and said, “Here. Go right ahead to the bathroom.”

Stakeholders Champion Multi-Sectoral Approach to Early Childhood Development at 2nd Biennial Conference
The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation; Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture; and Ministry of Health in partnership with UNICEF today concluded a two-day Early Childhood Development (ECD) Conference under the theme: “Positive Play, Positive Minds, Brighter Tomorrow”. Approximately 180 stakeholders and partners in the field of early child development attended the event which on day one featured thematic presentations on programmes currently in place in the areas of Care for Child Development, Family Literacy, Parenting, and Specialized Services for Children with Different Abilities.

Doctor Love: Dirty and Hungry
Dear Doctor Love, How can I get my wife to do more work around the house? She sits all day playing games on Facebook and texting with her friends on her phone. The house is dirty, the bills are not paid on time because she doesn’t want to leave the house and I end up paying them myself. Most nights I have reminded her before I get my supper. I work six days a week and I give her all of my pay, so I don’t think it is too much to ask for her to wash laundry so I can have a clean towel for my shower. I can’t afford to pay someone to clean house and cook, but I am starting to think I will have to do it. I have talked to her and she gets mad and then she won’t speak to me for days. I have talked to her mother who just tells me that my wife was always a really lazy girl and I better get over it. We have been married for less than a year but I am thinking about divorcing her. What should I do? /s/ Dirty and Hungry

Misc Belizean Sources

Letter: Belize is facing an unprecedented number of issues
by the Belize Progressive Party. Our nation is facing an unprecedented number of issues, which are the fruit of corruption and greed by those who were given the responsibility of ensuring our nation’s well-being. With the ever-increasing consciousness of the Belizean people, the powers that be shall go to virtually any length to ensure that that age-old tactic of “divide and conquer” remains an effective tool. It is important that we condemn the discriminatory comments made against the Garifuna community by President of the PSU, Eldred Neal and General Secretary of the BEWU, Marvin Mora. In a time when the nation is polarized politically, the last thing the country needs is for its union leaders to be fanning the flames of political intolerance and racial prejudice.

7th Chess Olympiad
Young persons from across the country are gathered at the Orange Walk Multi Purpose building for the 7th Chess Olympiad yesterday. Acting President of the Chess Federation of Belize, Jason Hsu said they are in the process of reviving the sport. The competition saw the participation of almost a hundred youths between the ages of seven and seventeen.

Hands Across the Sand
On May 20th at noon, Belizeans around the country joined hands on beaches, across bridges, along sea walls and in public areas to stand in solidarity against offshore oil development in Belize's economically important marine environment. Every year, activists and ocean-lovers host Hands Across the Sand events around the world to “draw a line in the sand,” and say “NO” to dirty fossil fuel projects, as well as call for a shift to clean, renewable energy like offshore wind and solar power. Every day, offshore oil accidents serve as grim reminders of just how deadly, dirty and dangerous the industry is and highlights the economic risks and environmental hazards posed by the activity to countries like Belize. “Drill. Spill. Repeat. That is the reality of the offshore oil. Belizeans have, and continue to say, "No!" to the destruction of their livelihoods by this inherently dangerous and dirty industry. That unwavering position needs to be legislated in order to safeguard our collective future," Janelle Chanona, Oceana Belize’s Vice President.

Dangriga Municipal Fair 2017
A few pictures from day 2 of Dangriga Municipal Fair 2017 on Y-Not Island. Performing in the evening was Sweet Pain band featuring Reckless and Supa G.

Frenchie's Offshore Open
Anglers braved a blasting southeaster on Day 1 of the Frenchie's Offshore Open yesterday, and were rewarded for their efforts! Yesterday saw 2 Blue Marlin and 3 Sailfish released, and 33 Dorado brought to the scale! Some boats have braved the howling winds again today and we'll keep you posted on how they do!

DAVCO Village Fest 2017
DAVCO Village Fest 2017 at the People's Stadium was truly a village life experience. The day was filled with the rich n vibrant culture of all the villages of Orange Walk. There was local and traditional food, music, dance, history all in one place. This is just a glimpse of what was at the Village Fest.

Happy International Museum Day
Theme- "Museums & Contested histories: Saying the unspeakable in museums." Topic: Marcus Canul- A Legendary Hero or A Bandit? Today's open forum was educational, extremely interesting and sparked discussion. It was unanimously decided that Marcus Canul was a LEGENDARY HERO and not a Bandit. Huge Thank you to our presenters Mr. Jorge Estrella (President of the Northern Tour guide Association) and Mr. Hugo Carrillo Ryne Carr (Cultural Ambassador of the Yucatec Maya Culture). The presentations were very engaging. We are also grateful for all our attendees and invited guest for embracing us with their presence. Lastly, sincerest gratitude to Muffles College High School and Orange Walk Technical High School for accepting our invitation. I am confident today's open discussion enhance each student's knowledge.

Corozal Animal Program-CAP
We have nine puppies waiting for adoption - six girls and three boys. They are three months old and have had their first shots and worming. They are all adorable! If you are interested, please email corozalanimalprogram@yahoo.com.

1st Place honors at the 3rd Annual Frenchie's Offshore Open!
Congrats to Capt. Aldo Urbina and his crew aboard 'No Worry Bout Nothin' who released a double header of Blue Marlin this afternoon to claim the 1st Place honors at the 3rd Annual Frenchie's Offshore Open!

Frenchie's Offshore Open!
Day Two: Ocean Pro weighed a 22.5lb Dorado

Chocolate Festival 2017

Rural Family Health Project
Health Fairs are an integral part of the Rural Family Health Project. They are a collaborative effort between the PCV and his/her counterpart Community Health Worker, other members of the community (such as village leaders, teachers, and health committees), local organizations and government agencies such as the Ministry of Health. Congratulations, Loan, on a successful health fair!

The Reporter

Dangriga Day held today at Y-Not
The second annual Dangriga Day enters day two today at Y-Not Island in that municipality. In declaring the event open, Mayor Francis Humphreys underscored the importance of preserving culture and diversity, expressing his wish that the potpourri that makes up “Culture Capital” could someday help lead to Dangriga becoming a City. The cultural event features more than 30 booths, musical and other entertainment, food, drinks, family games, ferris wheel and children’s rides.

Magistrate Norman Rodriguez interdicted
The Judicial and Legal Services Commission has interdicted junior Magistrate, Norman Rodriguez from his duties after he was formally arraigned before the Chief Magistrate, Ann-Marie Smith on a charge of rape. The Commission, in a press release late last week, said it would place Rodriguez on half-pay until it makes another decision as to his fate. This is the second time in 13 years that Rodriguez is charged with a sexual offense. Rodriquez, who celebrated his 48th birthday this week, is accused of the rape of a 27 year-old woman who said she had been intimately involved with him briefly, about five years ago.

Breaking Belize News

Belmopan bandits sports success story
In Football, Belmopan Bandits SC have just been crowned three-time champions for the second time since the club was re-activated in 2011, having won 7 out of the last 11 championships in Belize’s top league, now called the Premier League of Belize (PLB). This year, the club is headed to the prestigious CONCACAF Champions League tournament. In Basketball, the recently re-established Belmopan Bandits team is currently competing in the championship finals of the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL). And in Softball, the Belmopan Bandits team, formed only a year ago, is presently tied with defending champions Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy for first place in the regular season of the Cayo Softball Association Tournament.

Blogs

18 THINGS TO DO IN CAYE CAULKER BELIZE
At first you might think what is there to do on such a chilled and relaxed island? Well believe it or not it’s really easy to spend more than a couple of days here as there is so much to do. It’s easy to see how a couple of days can turn into a week on the island. After a smooth (or bumpy) journey on the boat, it was a windy day when I arrived! You dock on a small jetty and walk down to collect your bags. There are palms trees swaying and a few bars along the front. Already you start to feel that this is going to be an awesome place to spend a couple of days or maybe more.

Three New Ways to Exercise on Ambergris Caye
Over the last week or so, I tried…or attempted to try…three new classes. 2 yoga classes – both very different – and one for water resistance. I am very slow to start a new fitness oriented routine – it’s so much easier to watch Netflix while eating salty pumpkin seeds (that’s my new thing) – so I’m testing the water. Ambergris Caye has TONS of options these day. I mean tons. You can DIY – swim, SUP, kayak, beach walk, SCUBA, the list goes on. A fancy new gym has opened right in the middle of town called Belize Fitness, we have THREE Crossfit boxes (you read that correct – THREE), tons of yoga classes, private Pilates sessions. If you want to be active, it shouldn’t be THAT hard. Let me show you what I tried.

Get Your Pirate on at Glovers Reef Atoll
About an hour and a half from Dangriga by boat, Glovers Reef wraps around an 80-square mile lagoon that’s as idyllic as any South Seas movie you’ve viewed. As the southernmost of three Belize atolls, the reef atoll serves several purposes: host to a lodge situated amid coconut palm trees and sandy beaches that promises refuge from the world, a research site and a place you can indulge in every aquatic sport that suits your fancy—diving, snorkeling, swimming or sailing. Multiple dive sites bearing enticing names like Octopus Alley, Turtle Tavern and Dolphin Dance give you access to spotted stingrays, barracuda, French angelfish, butterfly fish and sharks. Love to paddleboard? This is your destination!

International Sources

Caribbean RoundUp
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is seeking to strengthen its relationship with Emirates Holidays, the largest tour operator in the Middle East, as it seeks to broad the Caribbean’s appeal in the Arabia Market. Officials of CTO, the region’s tourism development agency, recently met with tour operators during Arabian Travel Market (ATM), to build relationship which began last year when the CTO conducted an in-house training program in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) for 40 Emirates Holiday reservations, sales and operation staff to familiarize them with the Caribbean product.

Simone Biles Says 'Dancing With The Stars' Changed Her Body—But Not In The Usual Way
Simone Biles says she is happy with her experience on Dancing With the Stars, despite being cut from the competition just one week before the finals. But the five-time Olympic gold medalist also admits her body has changed after her nine weeks on the celebrity ballroom competition—and not in the traditional way. While most DWTS stars rave about all of the weight they lose while competing on the ABC dance-off, Biles told Us Weekly her body changed in another way. “It looks different than my gymnastics body because I haven’t been working out,” Simone told Us. “Dance helps keep me in shape, but I’ve lost my six-pack. I’m not as toned. I think I just lost a little muscle definition.” Still, Simone Biles says that the Dancing With the Stars experience was “wonderful” and that she learned a lot about herself.

Videos

Mayor Daniel Guerrero scores the first goal as part of the activities of the inauguration of Ambergris Stadium, 15sec.

Ambergris Stadium is officially inaugurated!, 1min.

Cave Tubing in Belize, 3min. A chillaxing afternoon floating down the river in an inflatable donut turns into a once in a lifetime experience of being struck by lightning. It had never happened to our guide who had been running the tour for 10 years. Lucky us!

Belize Women’s Trip 2017-05, 3.5min.

Belize, 5min. One month in Belizean Islands

MY TRIP BACK HOME TO BELIZE OVER CHRISTMAS 2016, 30min.

BELIZE: WELCOME TO BELIZE CITY AND SAN PEDRO TOWN, AMBERGRIS CAYE, 5min.

Belize Caves Branch Waterfall Caves, 5min.

Belize Orphanage Project., 4.5min. Our unforgettable experience in a nut shell. From June 11 to the 19, I was blessed with the opportunity to go to Belize with an amazing group of people from all over the world to help build a home for the less fortunate children in Belmopan Belize. Thank you Dani Johnson for revealing to us our potential to affect change in this small world.

Belize May 2017, 20min.

Snorkeling in Belize, 12min.

Swimming with Sharks and a Turtle - Belize, 12min.

Belize, 9min.

TPLC ... Sport-Activity-Frame - Belize City (BZ), "Starfish Island", 5.5min.

Chocolate Festival 2017 Grand Finale, 4.5min.

Chocolate Festival 2017, 12min.

May 21, 2017